June 18, 2021
JUNETEENTH A FEDERAL
DED AWARDS $15.8 MILLION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS STATEWIDE
The Department of Economic Development (DED) announced Tuesday it will award more than $15.8 million to 38 recipients through its Community Development Block Grant Program to help communities with infrastructure improvement and other projects across
“Strengthening infrastructure and improving our workforce remain my administration’s top priorities,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Whether repairing roads, upgrading facilities, or expanding job training opportunities, these grants allow us to invest in the future of
Funded projects for Fiscal Year 2020 include the construction or repair of roads and bridges, building community facilities, demolishing blighted or vacant structures, and more.
“Expanding and maintaining our state’s infrastructure is essential to economic development,” Department of Economic Development Director Rob Dixon said. “These projects are keeping our communities strong and preparing them for new opportunities in the months and years ahead.”
June 17, 2021
A
The accident happened Tuesday around 4 p.m., on
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Cheryl Weathers, 61, of
The train struck Weathers' SUV, which then came to a rest on the north side of the tracks.
Weathers sustained minor injuries in the crash and was taken by ambulance to
Her vehicle was totaled, while the train received just minor damage.
MU STUDY SAYS RURAL COUNTIES FACE NURSING SHORTAGE
Rural counties in the state are facing a nursing shortage at a greater rate than a shortage facing the nation and metropolitan areas, according to a
MU Sinclair School of Nursing assistant teaching professor Anne Heyen, analyzed data from around 136,000 licensed nurses to find age and geographical disparities across the state.
“Out of the 114 total counties in
The study found 31 % of
“In some of these rural areas where nearly half of the nursing workforce is nearing retirement, now is the time to be proactive and start thinking about who is going to replace them 10 years down the road,” Heyen said.
She said higher pay and more job opportunities in cities attack young nursing students and contribute to the geographical disparities in the nursing shortage.
On Wednesday at approximately 9:25PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the area of the 600 block of N Craig in reference to a report of gunshots. Responding personnel found evidence that a white, four door car had driven through the area and one of the occupants fired around three gunshots. A window of a vacant home was damaged. There were no injuries from the incident.
Anyone with information about this or any other crime is asked to contact CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 392-TIPS or (800) 392-8477 or Mexico Public Safety at (573) 473-5800 or (573) 581-2100.
June 16, 2021
MISSOURI GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL THAT LIMITS PUBLIC HEALTH RESTRICTIONS
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has signed a new law that will limit public health restrictions imposed by local governments.
The law takes effect immediately, but most
Parson says the law signed Tuesday will primarily affect future public health crises.
The law limits emergency orders restricting businesses, churches, schools or gatherings to 30 days, unless extended by the local governing body.
Parson says he generally supports local control, but that the new law is needed because he thinks some local officials overreached during the pandemic.
A judge has sentenced a 62-year-old child sexual abuser in southwest
Daniel Franklin, of rural
The jury recommended that he be sentenced to six terms of 99 years, three of 30 years and one of four years.
On Monday, Jasper County Circuit Court Judge Dean Dankelson followed the jury's recommendations and sentenced
Five girls, who are now teenagers, testified against
June 15, 2021
GOVERNOR PARSON SIGNS HB 85 ESTABLISHING SECOND AMENDENT PRESERVATION ACT
Last Week Governor Mike Parson signed HB 85 into law, establishing the Second Amendment Preservation Act in
“Throughout my law enforcement career and now as Governor of the state of
HB 85 prohibits state and local cooperation with federal officials that attempt to enforce any laws, rules, orders, or actions that violate the Second Amendment rights of Missourians. These protections against federal overreach are triggered if federal officials attempt to violate the state or federal constitution.
Additionally, the bill is an acknowledgment that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and inalienable, and that the nation's federalist constitutional structure limits the federal government's authority over states.
Under HB 85, any person or entity who knowingly deprives
MDC REMINDS ASH TREE OWNERS OF EAB CONCERN
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) in 89
EAB is a small, metallic green beetle native to
Woodpecker damage, sprouts growing from the main trunk, and major branch loss can all indicate the presence of EAB in ash trees.
Protecting ash trees on your property with insecticides prior to attack by EAB is the best way to keep the trees alive.
June 14, 2021
PAVEMENT AND BRIDGE WORK WILL IMPACT TRAFFIC ON ROUTES IN
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be doing bridge and patching work on routes in
The ramps will remain open even while the bridge is closed.
For the closures, motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times.
WOMAN ALLEGES LAWMAKER TOLD HER TO DENY HIS INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT
A woman says a former
Emily Orf spoke to The Associated Press about her interactions with now-Rep.
She did so after allegations became public last month that he had sex with a woman in 2015 when she was drunk and he was on duty as a
Orf told the AP that she had not spoken to Perkins for years until he called her last year and suggested that she deny what had happened to a police chief who was investigating.
Weekend Report- June 12-13, 2021
PAVEMENT AND BRIDGE WORK WILL IMPACT TRAFFIC ON ROUTES IN
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be doing bridge and patching work on routes in
For the closures, motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times.
Weather permitting, Monday, June 21, crews will close
This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
Crews will begin setting signs for the project to notify motorists of the closure. Some work on this project may take place during the night.
June 11, 2021
A union representing
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the president of the Missouri State Workers Union Communications Workers of America Local 6355 wrote to Parson on Wednesday.
The union asks that Parson consider demands that include paid time off to get vaccinated, personal protective equipment for employees, and that the state set up a process so workers with family and child care responsibilities may request a delayed return.
State officials say Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Carol Comer has died.
Officials did not release a cause of death but Comer, who died Wednesday, announced in July 2019 that she was undergoing chemotherapy to fight cancer.
Comer was named director of the department in January 2017 by former Gov. Eric Greitens.
Gov. Mike Parson said in a statement that Comer was an accomplished leader and dedicated public servant and a strong advocate for
Details of where she died and services were not immediately available.
Before taking the job in
June 10, 2021
FEDERAL COURT PANEL BLOCKS
A federal appeals court panel has blocked
A three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis handed down the ruling Wednesday.
The panel heard arguments in September in the legal battle over the 2019 law, which also would prohibit a woman from having an abortion because the fetus has Down syndrome.
The lawsuit was filed by Reproductive Health Services, which operates
SIXTH ANNUAL HOME RUN AGAINST HUNGER RAISES OVER $23,500
Nearly one in five Missourians receives emergency food assistance each year. Through these challenging times, Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance recognizes the need to obtain and distribute food to hungry Missourians. Team members across the state collected donations throughout the month of April for distribution at one of the over 1,500 Feeding Missouri agencies located in their communities.
The statewide food drive wrapped up recently with over 2 tons of non-perishables food and $23,515 in donations.
In efforts to bring awareness to food insecurities around the state, Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance and Feeding Missouri will continue to work together throughout 2021. To learn more about food insecurity in
June 9, 2021
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to spike in southwestern
Meanwhile, 76 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized in
Towns says Memorial Day gatherings were a source of some of the recent spread, and she says there is concern about the pending gatherings for Independence Day.
Meanwhile, vaccination rates in southwestern
MISSOURI GOVERNOR PASSES BILL TO COMBAT OPIOID EPIDEMIC
On Monday evening, Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed Senate Bill 63 into law.
The new law creates a statewide prescription drug monitoring program.
It will also create the Joint Oversight Task Force of Prescription Drug Monitoring.
This group will be responsible to control where prescription drugs go to across the state of
Governor Parson believes this is a needed tool for
"This is just another tool that we're going to be able to use to help us fight when it comes to opioids, when it comes to the law enforcement community, when it comes to the medical community of how do we do it better," Parson said. "And this is going to be just another step in making that a better place and a better state."
The new law will also help better assist health care professionals in better monitoring on where opioids and other prescribed medicines are disposed.
Every other state in the country has adopted a drug monitoring program as well.
The law also states that patient information is considered a closed record under state law.
It will not be provided to local law enforcement agencies, prosecutorial officials or regulatory bodies for purposes not allowed under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
June 8, 2021
YOUNG EASTERN MISSOURI CHILD KILLED IN BOATING ACCIDENT AT
An 8-year-old boy was killed at the
The Waynesville,
Troopers responded to the incident around 3:40 p.m. at the 6 mile mark of Glaize Arm.
The boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
This is Troop F's second fatality this month and the 25th fatality this year.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting applications for energy improvement loans from various organizations around the state.
Some of the organizations eligible for these loans are public schools, colleges and universities, local governments and hospitals.
These loans are part of the Energy Loan Program.
They may be used to improve an organization’s lighting system and heating and air conditioning.
We spoke with Energy Assurance Supervisor Daniel Dahler about how organizations may apply for these loans.
"As soon as your application comes in we will immediately start reviewing it," Dahler said. "Which we kind of do an initial review and we do a technical review where our engineer looks over all the information including your savings calculations and deems that it's a reasonable request and at that point we will send through our approval process to recommend that they get approved for the loan and it will get sent out to the applicant for signing."
Missouri DNR will be accepting applications for these loans through September 30.
Loan amounts of $10,000 to $1 million are available.
Each application will be evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis by the Department of Energy.
June 7, 2021
Weather permitting, Monday, June 21, crews will close
This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
Crews will begin setting signs for the project to notify motorists of the closure. Some work on this project may take place during the night.
MSHP: JOIN THE TEAM AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The Missouri State Highway Patrol, a premier law enforcement agency, is testing for new troopers. The Patrol is encouraging qualified individuals of all backgrounds to apply, and will offer testing at nine different locations in
To be eligible, candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent and be 21 years of age upon graduating from the Patrol’s
The starting annual salary for trooper is $49,536, and following three years of service, the trooper first class’ salary is increased to $52,200. Other benefits include group health insurance, contributory retirement, career advancement, and more.
The selection process is a multi-phase testing procedure including: written examination, a physical fitness for duty assessment, polygraph examination, background investigation, and oral interview board. Written and physical examinations take place in each troop area across the state. After a conditional offer of employment, the applicant must successfully complete a medical examination (to include vision and hearing), psychological examination, a psychological interview, drug screening, and final applicant review.
Interested persons can learn more about the updated qualifications by contacting a Patrol recruiter at 1-800-796-7000, or may apply online at www.motrooper.com.
Weekend Report- June 5-6, 2021
PAVEMENT AND BRIDGE WORK WILL IMPACT TRAFFIC ON ROUTES IN
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be doing bridge and patching work on routes in
For the closures, motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times. Please obey all work zone signs and personnel, and remember to always put your cell phone down to help eliminate distractions.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Wednesday that
Through LFLP, a team of agricultural, environmental, public health and regional economic development experts will work directly with Lincoln University Cooperative Extension and other community leaders to provide technical support to improve food security and the local economy in
This year, LFLP is sponsored jointly by EPA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service, with multiple federal partners planning to participate. The 13 LFLP communities selected in 2021 were chosen from among 97 applicants.
Each selected community will work with a team of federal, state, and regional experts to address local agricultural, environmental, public health, economic development and equity issues. Together, they will develop a community-led action plan to strengthen the local food system and spur revitalization of often-overlooked neighborhoods in the community.
June 3, 2021
AMEREN
It’s that time of year when area residents are asked to take severe weather alerts seriously.
“When we issue that warning, things are coming together, that it’s getting pretty dangerous and it’s time for people to take action,” said Andy Bailey, NWS Kansas City Warning Coordination Meteorologist.
An electric company that provides service to many in the state has some safety tips for what people can do before and after severe weather.
Ameren
After severe weather hits, Ameren encourages to keep these safety tips in mind:
ADVOCADO TO ADD 100 NEW JOBS IN
Advocado, an advertising technology company, announced Wednesday it will add more than 100 high-paying jobs in
Advocado attributes their rapid growth and additional hiring to the Show-Me State’s affordable real estate, low cost of living, and skilled workforce. These new jobs will fill roles in engineering, data science, customer success, operations, sales, and marketing and will provide an average annual wage of more than $81,000.
For their expansion, Advocado used the Missouri Works program, which helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. Advocado’s growth was also supported by collaboration among Missouri Partnership, AllianceSTL, and the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership.
June 2, 2021
POLICE IDENTIFY TWO PEOPLE SHOT AT BRANSON RESTAURANT
Police have identified two people shot and killed outside a Branson restaurant over the weekend.
Branson police say 38-year-old Krystle Buhl, of Forsyth, and 39-year-old Richard McMahan, of Merriam Woods, died in the Saturday night shooting outside of Famous Dave's in Branson.
Television station KYTV reports that officers found the pair with gunshot wounds in the restaurant's parking lot.
Police say one victim died at the scene and the other died at a hospital.
Police say they have no suspects and no motive for the shootings.
Branson Police Chief Eric Schmitt says investigators have found no indication that the shooting resulted from a robbery.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol says four people died on
The patrol on Tuesday released details of the three-day weekend that began Saturday and ended Monday.
The patrol cited 270 accidents on roads, and 10 involving boats.
The agency says 112 people were arrested for driving while intoxicated, and eight others were arrested for boating while intoxicated.
The patrol also reported 79 drug-related arrests - 77 on the roads and two on water.
The four traffic deaths occurred in Bates,
The Missouri Supreme Court has struck down a 2018 state law that imposed new requirements on some public sector labor unions.
In a 5-2 ruling Tuesday, the Supreme Court said the law violated the constitution's equal protection rights by exempting public safety unions from the new requirements imposed on other types of unions.
The law passed by the Republican-led Legislature required other public sector unions to hold recertification elections every three years and to get annual approval from employees to deduct dues from paychecks.
The Supreme Court majority said there was no rational basis to treat public safety unions differently.
On Monday, May 24 at approximately 6:06PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1000 block of
June 1, 2021
GOVERNOR PARSON RELEASES REPORT ON THE IMPACT OF DEFENSE CONTRACT SPENDING IN
Last Week Governor Mike Parson announced that more than $14 billion in military defense contracts were awarded to
The latest report focuses on the value of U.S. Department of Defense and related agency contracts awarded to
ASHCROFT REMINDS MISSOURIANS TO BEWARE OF PAYMENT SCAMS
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is reminding Missourians that the Business Services Division in his office will never ask for payment by gift card.
Business Services, which oversees filings for all businesses in
According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers convince victims to buy gift cards and then ask for the numbers on the back, so they can steal the money loaded on the cards.
“We will never ask you to pay by using a gift card,” Ashcroft said. “We have multiple forms of payment that our staff will direct you to use, including our e-payment system or by mail. Our fee schedule and any convenience fees are available on our website.”
The fee schedule and any convenience fees may be found at sos.mo.gov/business/corporations/forms.
The Business Services Division may be reached by calling (866) 223-6535 or emailing corporations@sos.mo.gov.
On Monday at approximately 12:16PM the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1300 block of
May 31, 2021
BRIDGE AND PATCHING WORK PLANNED FOR ROUTES IN
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be doing bridge and patching work on routes in
For the closure, motorists will need to find alternate routes during these times. Please obey all work zone signs and personnel, and remember to always put your cell phone down to help eliminate distractions.
MISSOURI TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION AWARDS $1 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING TO SUPPORT STARTUPS AND ENTREPRENEURS
Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) announced Thursday it will award over $1 million in infrastructure-focused grant funding to help build support for startups and entrepreneurship throughout
The MOBEC Program provides funding to expand the capacity of non-profit organizations supporting entrepreneurs, as well as research institutions looking to attract competitive funding. The program is used to enhance research and development in targeted high-tech industry clusters and to help create jobs through entrepreneurship and innovation.
To date, through MOBEC and other grant programs, MTC has partnered with over 60 entrepreneurial support organizations in communities across the state and awarded almost $27 million in entrepreneurial-focused infrastructure grants that have served thousands of small businesses.
In addition to serving as a statewide connector for
May 28, 2021
MAKE SAFETY A TOP PRIORITY FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, recognizes Memorial Day weekend is highly anticipated and reminds motorists the Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during the long holiday weekend. This means every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists.
Over the 2020 Memorial Day holiday weekend, 10 people died and 444 were injured in 1,081 traffic crashes. Last year, troopers made 118 DWI arrests.
The Memorial Day weekend is also an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2020 Memorial Day weekend, there were 11 boating crashes which included one fatality and seven injuries. One person drowned over last year’s holiday weekend. Troopers arrested 11 people for boating while intoxicated over the 2020 Memorial Day weekend.
This year's counting period for the holiday weekend begins at 6 p.m., Friday, May 28, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 31, 2021. Troopers will focus their attention on seat belt use, use of child safety seats, impaired drivers, hazardous moving violations, and speed violations.
If your plans include driving or boating, choose to be courteous and obey all
Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol's Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. For road condition reports, travelers can visit the Patrol's website at www.mshp.dps.mo.gov. Click on the Road Condition icon to view road construction areas as well as road conditions throughout the state or call 1-888-275-6636.
Motorists are encouraged to do their part to make
BE
As pandemic restrictions loosen around the state, Memorial Day highway traffic on
With the heavy holiday weekend traffic, the Missouri Department of Transportation will not have work zones with routine lane closures beginning at noon on Friday, May 28, through 6 a.m. on Tuesday, June 1.
“Memorial Day is typically the start of the summer travel season and with more people taking to the roads the need to remain alert when behind the wheel is even more essential,” said MoDOT’s Deputy Director/Chief Engineer Ed Hassinger. “Highway safety is everyone’s responsibility. Buckle up. Put your phone down. Every trip. Every time.”
Some of the major work zones with permanent lane closures will remain in place for the holiday weekend.
May 27, 2021
Montgomery County Route J at Clear Creek, located 2.5 miles west of Missouri Route 19 near
The bridge was originally built in 1962 and while rest of the bridge was in reasonably good condition, the deck had significant deterioration. “The bridge deck was completely replaced and is now 22 feet wide, two feet wider than before,” said Missouri Department of Transportation Area Engineer Erik Maninga. Guardrail was also added for safety.
This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
REMAINS OF
Forty years to the day after a woman was found dead in a rural area of
The woman who detectives have known only as Jane Doe for four decades was Karen Kay Knippers, according to a sheriff's department news release.
Her death is being investigated as a homicide.
Knippers' body was discovered at 8:47 a.m. on May 25, 1981 in
She had been beaten, strangled, and left in shallow water.
Knippers was found with a pair of pantyhose wrapped around her neck.
She was not destitute. Her stylish clothing, expensive dental work, and general appearance of being in good health indicated that she was probably not indigent.
But she could not be identified and was buried in the
Her remains were exhumed in 2015 and forensic analysis was done the next year.
In March 2016, a report concluded that the DNA extraction and development was successful.
The DNA Doe Project in December 2019 provided a possible name of Jane Doe and the name of a possible relative, according to the sheriff's department.
A month later in January 2020, the sheriff's office located a possible relative of Jane Doe in
As it turned out, the man told detectives he had a sister he had lost contact with in the early 1980s.
The possible relative agreed to provide a DNA sample.
The genetic data of Jane Doe and the candidate were entered into additional databases in May 2021.
The samples "were noted to be 19.4 million times more likely to be the biological sibling" than an unrelated person, the news release stated.
The man was Jane Doe's brother, and she was officially identified as Karen Kay Knippers.
May 26, 2021
MISSOURI GOVERNOR APPOINTS
Governor Mike Parson has appointed the first Black woman to serve as a Missouri Supreme Court judge.
The Republican governor on Monday named Missouri Eastern District Appeals Court Judge Robin Ransom to the high court.
She's replacing Judge Laura Denvir Stith, who retired in March.
Ransom will join Chief Justice George Draper as the second Black judge currently serving on the Supreme Court.
She won't need Senate confirmation.
Former Republican Governor Matt Blunt first appointed Ransom to serve as a St. Louis County Circuit Judge in 2008.
Parson appointed her in 2019 to serve as an appeals court judge.
NEW PROGRAM SEEKS TO CRACK DOWN ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN
“It’s everywhere and I think people are starting to take the blinders off and actually see it now,” Julie Meranda said. She is the assistant director at Redeem Project Ministry, a
Meranda said now is the time to help victims of human trafficking.
Captive Grace is looking for volunteers, who will be trained from the Exodus Cry Intervention Manual, an anti-sex-trafficking organization.
The Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1000 block of West Breckinridge after a disturbance involving a gun Monday. According to a press release, a 30 year old
May 25, 2021
BRIDGE AND PATCHING WORK PLANNED FOR ROUTES IN
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be doing bridge and patching work on routes in
For the closure, motorists will need to find alternate routes during these times. Please obey all work zone signs and personnel, and remember to always put your cell phone down to help eliminate distractions.
SUPREME COURT REFUSES TO HEAR DEATH ROW INMATE’S APPEAL FOR A FIRING SQUAD
The Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal from a
Over the dissent of the three liberal justices, the court on Monday left in place a lower court ruling against inmate Ernest Johnson that could allow him to be executed by lethal injection.
He is on death row for killing three convenience store workers in
Johnson has argued that
The effect of the court's order is to prevent Johnson from amending his lawsuit to include the possibility of execution by firing squad, which is not authorized under
May 24, 2021
GROUP OF SINGLE MOTHERS SUES
Two single mothers are among a group of women suing
The two mothers and a third woman sued Republican Gov. Mike Parson's administration last Thursday.
Voters last year amended the Constitution to expand access to the health insurance program to hundreds of thousands more low-income adults, including the three women.
Gov. Parson last week dropped plans to expand Medicaid after the Legislature refused to pay for it.
The women say they need the health insurance program to get treatment for illnesses including asthma and diabetes.
CLICK IT OR TICKET ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN REMINDS EVERYONE TO BUCKLE UP
Longer days and warmer weather mean summer fun is almost here. As you gear up for a weekend excursion, or maybe even a road trip with family and friends, make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up for every trip.
The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is joining with state and local law enforcement May 24 – June 6 in the national “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign to highlight the importance of buckling up. Along with wearing a seat belt, they want to remind motorists to slow down, put the phone down and never drive impaired.
For 2020, preliminary data indicates 428 individuals killed in
Missouri’s new strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero, Driving Missouri Toward Safer Roads, identifies four key focus areas to help reduce traffic deaths, including the importance of seat belts, car seats, and motorcycle helmets. Other focus areas in the plan include distracted driving, speeding and impaired driving. For more information on the Show-Me Zero plan, and to check out the Coalition’s new video promoting the plan, visit www.savemolives.com.
Weekend Report- May 22-23, 2021
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN PIKE
A
DRIVER INJURED IN SATURDAY NIGHT WRECK
A driver was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday night in
TEEN HURT IN EARLY FRIDAY MORNING CRASH
A teen was hurt in an early Friday morning crash in
May 20, 2021
DED AWARDS $18.8 MILLION TO HELP COMMUNITIES PREPARE FOR NATURAL DISASTERS
The Department of Economic Development (DED) announced Wednesday it will award $18.8 million to 29 recipients through its Community Development Block Grant Mitigation Program to help communities recently affected by disasters become more resilient.
Funded projects include infrastructure improvements, strengthening public buildings, generators for facilities, and improving disaster warning systems.
With the Memorial Day holiday weekend on the horizon, and more people starting to hit the roadways, we wanted to know what motorists should watch out for.
Missouri State Highway Patrol Corporal Justin Dunn provided some advice.
"Motorists can obviously make sure safety is part of their planning, follow all traffic laws, wear their seat belts and don't drive impaired," Dunn said.
Over the Memorial Day holiday weekend last year, 10 people died and 444 were injured in 1,081 traffic crashes.
Troopers also made 118 driving while intoxicated arrests.
The counting period for the patrol this year for the Memorial Day holiday weekend is from 6 p.m. May 28 to 11:59 p.m. May 31.
May 19, 2021
ELITE TOOL EXPANDS IN
Elite Tool, a manufacturing company specializing in machining and fabrication, announced Tuesday it will invest more than $3 million to expand its existing facility in Moscow Mills. The expansion includes plans to add 20 new jobs to Elite Tool’s workforce.
Elite Tool’s 71,000-square-foot facility is strategically designed to provide customers a comprehensive array of services to simplify supply chain requirements, reduce cost, and save time. To meet customers’ increasing needs, the company’s expansion will add positions with an average wage of $41,400 across all departments.
For its expansion, Elite Tool used the Missouri Works program, an incentive tool to help companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.
A conservative advocacy group's
The secretary of state said Monday that Americans for Prosperity-Missouri's director filed the referendum petition.
Republican Gov. Mike Parson is expected to sign the bill into law.
May 18, 2021
CHARGES FILED IN 36 YEAR OLD
At a May 14 news conference,
"This case has never left this community and has always been in the back of mind of every person who's ever worked in justice enforcement, including me and my office," Cunningham said.
Investigators said then 30-year-old dental assistant Diane Lukosius was driving home from a Christmas party Dec. 15, 1984, when she was forced off the road into a ditch outside her home in Camelot Estates and was bludgeoned. She died two days later in the hospital.
They said Hicks knew the woman and had seen her at a local tavern that night. Deputies interviewed the suspect's wife, who said she remembered Hicks was drunk the night Lukosius was killed. Others told investigators Hicks would get violent when he had been drinking. Cunningham's office pick up the case, and in January, tracked Hicks to
Camden County Sheriff Tony Helms joined the department 30 years ago, just after the Lukosius murder and initial investigation. He said making an arrest now has taken the weight off decades of work.
"It was very emotional," Helms said. "But after you get past that emotion, everybody's just taking a big deep breath and a sigh of relief. There's closure."
Cunningham said Hicks was considered a suspect early on and was questioned in 1989 and 1990, but no charges ever came of that.
Hicks now faces prosecution for second-degree murder. If convicted, he could spend what's left of his life in a
GOVERNOR PARSON SIGNS FY 2021 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET BILL
Last week Governor Mike Parson signed HB 15, which allows for the continued current operations of state government through FY 2021. HB 15 totals over $2.1 billion, including $254.8 million in general revenue, $1.7 billion in federal funds, and $116.7 million in other funds.
The supplemental budget bill contains funding for several items, including the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program, Pandemic Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and the Coronavirus Local Government Fiscal Recovery Fund. HB 15 also includes funding for road construction, long-term care, child care providers, water and sewer bill assistance, and homeowner financial assistance, among others.
May 17, 2021
The bill passed Friday would shield hospitals, manufacturers and other businesses from lawsuits over alleged wrongdoing during the pandemic.
The bill now goes to Gov. Mike Parson, who made it one of his priorities.
If signed by Parson, it wouldn't take effect until Aug. 28. The bill would prevent lawsuits against businesses unless someone can prove they were exposed there and sickened by the coronavirus, and that the business was acting recklessly.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION OPERATION SAVES 9 VICTIMS
Nine victims were rescued Friday night during a joint human trafficking operation conducted by several
According to a release from the state attorney general's office, the Columbia Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Attorney General’s Office and "a multitude of other local, state, and federal agencies" conducted the operation out of the Holiday Inn East hotel in Columbia. In addition to the nine victims, participating agencies "made contact" with two children during the operation. Two suspects were detained.
Rise Coalition, True North and Relentless Pursuit offered victim services, including on-site medical treatment, food, counseling and lodging to the nine rescued.
The investigation is ongoing. Jeremiah Hunter, CPD assistant police chief and commander of the department's Investigations Bureau, said his team will continue to work toward the attorney general's goal of quelling human trafficking in the region.
The following agencies participated in the operation: The Missouri Attorney General’s Office, Columbia Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, St. Joseph Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, MSHP’s Division of Drug and Crime Control, MSPH’s Missouri Information Analysis Center, Missouri Gaming Commission, Missouri Department of Corrections, Missouri Department of Probation and Parole, Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service.
Weekend Report- May 15-16, 2021
Weather permitting, the west bound Interstate 70 trucking parking only lot at
“We have a contractor who manages the temporary repairs, and we are now going in to make all the permanent repairs needed to the surface,” Maninga said.
On Sunday, May 9 at approximately 3:19AM, a Mexico Public Safety officer observed a blue 2003 Ford Explorer being operated erratically in the area of
The suspect is described as a tall, slim black male with a goatee. Anyone with information about this or any other crime is asked to contact CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 392-TIPS or (800) 392-8477 or Mexico Public Safety at (573) 473-5800 or (573) 581-2100.
There were no injuries from the incident.
May 14, 2021
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced their approval of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for children aged 12-15.
DHSS Acting Director Robert Knodell and State Epidemiologist Dr. George Turabelidze signed a standing order to allow the administration of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to kids in that age group. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in kids as young as 12.
The order allows about 313,000 more people to get vaccinated.
DHSS is working to enroll pediatricians into the state's vaccine program. This will allow doctors to order the vaccines needed.
In most cases, parents or guardians will need to be present for children under 18 to get the vaccine. Sometimes, written permission will be accepted.
HY-VEE ANNOUNCES PHARMACY LOCATIONS ARE ADMINISTERING FREE COVID VACCINES TO 12-15 YEAR OLDS
On Thursday, Hy-Vee, Inc. announced that all Hy-Vee pharmacy locations are now administering free COVID-19 vaccines to individuals ages 12 to 15, per the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for this age group.
Hy-Vee has been offering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to individuals 16 and older for several weeks.
Minors must have parental or guardian consent in order to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Hy-Vee asks that a parent or guardian accompany minors to both their first and second dose COVID-19 vaccinations.
Individuals can walk in to receive the vaccine, or make an appointment in advance online.
For those who prefer to make a vaccine appointment in advance, they can visit www.hy-vee.com/covidvaccine, select “Find Appointments” and complete the digital vaccine informed consent form and appointment selection.
COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone, regardless of whether they have insurance or Medicare Part B coverage.
MISSOURI GOVERNOR DROPS PLANNED MEDICAID EXPANSION
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has dropped plans to expand the state's Medicaid program after the Legislature declined to provide money for a measure approved by voters.
The Republican governor said Thursday that his administration has withdrawn an expansion plan that had been submitted to federal officials.
Parson said he cannot proceed with it because the $35 billion budget approved by the Republican-led Legislature did not approve his funding proposal for the expansion.
The decision is likely to trigger a lawsuit from supporters of Medicaid expansion.
Voters last November approved a ballot measure expanding eligibility to low-income adults.
May 13, 2021
MISSOURI SENATE PASSES BILL TO LIMIT POLICE CHOKEHOLDS
The Missouri Senate has voted to limit when police can use chokeholds.
The bill's 31-2 bipartisan passage Wednesday in the GOP-led Senate represents a rare step by state lawmakers to take action in response to police violence.
Little has been done by
Suburban St. Louis Sen. Brian Williams this year proposed banning police chokeholds following George Floyd's death.
The bill was pared back to only allow police to use chokeholds in self-defense if they or someone else are in serious danger.
The bill given final approval Wednesday would limit orders restricting businesses, churches, schools or gatherings to 30 days, unless extended by the local governing body.
The bill was prompted by outrage over long-lasting restrictions in
Lawmakers also are nearing final approval on legislation that would let businesses affected by restrictions to seek property tax breaks.
MISSOURI HOUSE PASSES GAS TAX INCREASE
Republican lawmakers in
The GOP-led House on Tuesday voted 104-52 to gradually raise
If signed by Republican Gov. Mike Parson, the measure would raise the tax by 2.5 cents a year until it hits 29.5 cents per gallon in 2025.
Drivers could get a refund if they save their gas receipts.
Some GOP lawmakers argued the tax hike will impact poor families the most.
Weekend Report- May 8-9, 2021
IF GRASS IS GROWING, MOWERS ARE MOWING
It has been a rainy spring and that—coupled with warmer temperatures—means seasonal growth on
"Even the most aggressive warning lights and signs aren’t effective when drivers are distracted," said MoDOT State Maintenance Director Natalie Roark. “For the health and wellbeing of our workers and yourself, please watch out for our crews, slow down, buckle up and put your phone down. We want everyone to get home safely.”
Major and minor routes are mowed in three cycles usually starting in mid-May and continuing in July and September. MoDOT mows about 400,000 acres of grass statewide each year, which is equivalent to 300,000 football fields. Along with mowing, crews selectively use herbicides to stunt vegetation growth, control brush and stop the spread of noxious weeds. Encouraging wildflower growth and using herbicides carefully adds additional benefits in reducing the amount of time spent mowing.
On rural two-lane roads, crews may use a protective "follow" truck to alert motorists they are approaching slow-moving mowers.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD OPENS ON STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
A draft 2022-2026 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) that focuses on taking care of the state’s existing transportation system was presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.
Missouri Department of Transportation Planning Director Eric Curtit told commissioners the draft STIP includes 1,417 highway and bridge projects, of which 84% will maintain the system in the condition it is in today. On average, this STIP annually invests in 740 lane miles of interstate pavements, 1,387 miles of major route pavements, 2,733 miles of minor route pavements and 277 bridges.
“MoDOT’s priority is maintaining the existing system of highways and bridges,” Curtit said. “We have developed asset management plans for each district, which focus on preventive maintenance improvements to keep good roads and bridges in good condition. If preventive maintenance investments were not made, the cost of improving the asset in poor condition can cost four to ten times more.”
This STIP includes funding for the “Focus on Bridges” program that was initiated by Governor Parson and funded by the Missouri General Assembly in 2019. The first phase authorized $50 million in general revenue to expedite the repair and replacement of 45 bridges that had already been identified as some of the state’s top bridge priorities by local planning organizations. The second authorized $301 million in bonding – to be repaid over seven years from general revenue – to repair or replace another 215 bridges that had been previously prioritized, contingent on Missouri receiving a federal INFRA Grant to replace the I-70 Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport.
May 7, 2021
On Tuesday at approximately 2:21PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 2700 block of
Anyone with information is asked to contact CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 392-TIPS or (800) 392-8477 or Mexico Public Safety at (573) 473-5800 or (573) 581-2100.
MISSOURI GOVERNOR ANNOUCES SCALING BACK OF NATIONAL GUARD’S INVOLVEMENT IN VACCINE CLINICS
Gov. Mike Parson announced Thursday the Missouri National Guard has begun scaling back its assistance with mass vaccination sites across the state.
A news release from Parson's office cited a significant decrease in demand for the vaccine as the primary reason for the withdrawal.
“We are in a far different situation today than we were just a couple months ago," Parson said in the release. “
According to the release, there are no plans to cancel state-supported vaccine events through the month of May. Operation of those sites will begin to shift, however, and Parson's office said it expects a full withdrawal of the National Guard by June 1. Groups such as FEMA, the Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team and other local groups will continue to assist with sites previously operated by the National Guard.
Officials said SEMA will also still supply PPE for local events and will provide volunteers for local events.
State officials are continuing to work with vaccinator sites across
The governor's office cited data that shows 80 percent of Missourians live within a five-mile radius of a vaccination site.
“Vaccines are readily available all across the state, and Missourians can often walk right into their local pharmacy and receive a shot," Parson said in the release. "With universal vaccine availability and decreased interest at our mass vaccination events, scaling back our state-supported teams is the right decision for the most efficient use of our resources."
According to the state's dashboard, more than 4 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in
The bill passed Wednesday by the House now goes to Gov. Mike Parson.
It previously passed the Senate.
The National Guard currently is part of the state Department of Public Safety, which also oversees the State Highway Patrol, the State Emergency Management Agency, the state's fire safety office, alcohol and tobacco regulators and other programs.
Some legislators have tried for several years to carve out the National Guard into its own department.
May 6, 2021
MISSOURI GOVERNOR DIRECTS STATE WORKERS TO RETURN ON MAY 17
On Wednesday, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson directed all state workers to return to their offices for in-person work no later than Monday, May 17, 2021, and that all state buildings be open and accessible to the public during normal business hours.
“Since the start of COVID-19, our state team members have gone above and beyond to keep state government running and continue providing quality public service to Missourians,” Gov. Parson said. “Thanks in large part to their efforts,
“With COVID-19 vaccines now readily available across the state and virus activity at its lowest levels since early days of the pandemic, we are confident that it is safe to return to pre-COVID-19 work settings and schedules,” Gov. Parson added.
COVID-19 screening and testing protocols will remain in place, and all employees are encouraged to consider getting vaccinated. Vaccines are available to all state employees. Team members can use vaccinefinder.org to find available vaccinators in their area. While there will be no statewide mandates, state team members are encouraged to practice COVID-19 preventative measures.
“As public servants in state government, it is important that we maintain a front-facing presence for those we serve, and it’s time we take this step towards normalcy for ourselves and the people of
The Missouri House has passed legislation to crack down on protesters who block roadways.
The Republican-led House voted 98-50 to pass the bill.
The legislation would make repeatedly blocking traffic a felony.
The tactic is often used to draw attention to racial injustice.
Protesters angered by the death of George Floyd blocked traffic on Interstate 70 in the
The House also amended the bill to cram in provisions from dozens of other loosely related bills.
The number of changes made to the Senate bill likely means negotiators will pare it back in the final version.
May 5, 2021
WOMAN MISSING REPORT FROM
A woman who was last seen in the
MISSOURI
Judges could issue lifelong restraining orders that also cover pets under a bill passed by the Missouri Legislature.
Senators on Monday voted 31-0 to send the bill to Gov. Mike Parson.
Currently, orders of protection are limited to at most one year.
After that, victims have to go back to court to get an extension.
Under the bill, judges have the option to grant restraining orders for longer lengths of time depending on the potential threat.
The orders could be automatically renewed.
The measure also would allow restraining orders to cover people's pets.
NEWLY INTRODUCED HOUSE BILL WOULD EXPAND WIC PROGRAM TO FARMERS MARKETS
A
House Bill 652, sponsored by Columbia Democratic Representative Martha Stevens, would expand the program that already allows low-income
Taylor Cleveland, manager of Lincoln University Farmer's Market said the opportunity would provide recipients with more options for nutrient-rich foods. She said local farmers work hard to make certain their products are safe and healthy.
"They don't grow organically, they try really hard not to use pesticides or herbicides and it's very much so a health-conscious market, especially with COVID, and we've had a huge increase in customers and they are all looking for local fresh."
If passed, the Missouri Department of Agriculture will work to secure eligible farmers and farmer's markets.
May 4, 2021
The Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) announces the launch of the Missouri Benefits and Resource Portal. In collaboration with the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) Office of the Missouri Military Advocate, MVC created the portal to serve as an informational tool and service guide to help Veterans find potential benefits and local resources.
The initiative for a one-stop-shop for Veteran resources began after a
The portal can be found at veteranbenefits.mo.gov. Updates will be made as new resources become available.
For more information about the Missouri Veterans Commission programs, call 573-751-3779 or visit mvc.dps.mo.gov.
MAY IS MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH
Warm spring weather has arrived, and motorcyclists are eager to hit the road. As they tune their engines and prepare for numerous road trips to come, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants to remind motorists and motorcyclists alike to “Watch for Motorcycles” in order to help prevent motorcycle crashes, deaths and injuries on Missouri roadways.
“Preliminary reports indicate that 13% of all
May 3, 2021
Missouri has reported just 14 breakthrough COVID-19 cases among people who are fully vaccinated to federal health officials, even though dozens more have been detected in just the state's largest county.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asked states at the start of this month to instruct local health departments and health systems to collect real-time information on "breakthrough infections."
States are to collect the data and enter it into a national database.
By mid April, when the CDC announced its first tally of breakthrough infections, it caught a disease investigator for the St. Louis County Department of Public Health by surprise.
A community briefing will be held Monday at 3 p.m. to provide information about the current state of COVID-19 cases and the future of the Health Orders in
The briefing will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 701 E. Broadway. Members of the media are invited to attend. Social distancing measures will be in place. Masks are required. Due to social distancing measures and limited capacity in the Council Chambers, the public is strongly encouraged to view the briefing via livestream or via local media broadcasts.
The briefing will be livestreamed for the public at http://gocolumbiamo.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=65422f1d-3cac-496e-a46b-91c619f7f894 and will begin five minutes before 3 p.m. and broadcast live on Spectrum 992, Mediacom 80 and CenturyLink 96.
Weekend Report- May 1-2, 2021
NEW
Last winter, the new climbing lanes on Interstate 70 in
In addition, the project included the replacement of the eastbound
“One of the primary purposes of this entire project is to enable traffic to flow more safely and efficiently,” explained Missouri Department of Transportation Project Director Brandi Baldwin.
This bridge was included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
The Mineola Hill project was made possible by a federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant in combination with the replacement of the I-70 Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport in Boone and
Weather permitting, Tuesday, May 4, crews will close Montgomery County Route P at Dry Fork Creek, located 0.7 mile south of Montgomery County Route K near
Crews will begin setting signs for the project to notify motorists of the closure.
April 30, 2021
The Missouri House is advancing a bill to limit pandemic-related lawsuits.
The GOP-led House gave the proposal initial approval in a voice vote Thursday.
Under the bill, businesses and private property owners couldn't be sued unless they intentionally expose people to a contagious illness and people get sick.
The bill would prevent government interference with businesses or other privately owned properties unless there's a major infectious disease outbreak and governments couldn't order someone to quarantine unless they're infected.
Limiting COVID-19 lawsuits is a top priority for Republican Gov. Mike Parson.
Lawmakers only have until mid-May to pass the bill.
The Missouri Senate has voted against paying for Medicaid expansion.
Senators on Wednesday voted 20-14 against a proposal to add the funding to the state budget.
The vote locks in the House's decision not to pay for Medicaid expansion.
Missouri voters last year voted to expand who is eligible for government health care coverage to thousands more low-income adults.
The Republican-led Legislature has long opposed growing the program.
Now they're trying to thwart expansion by blocking funding for it.
If lawmakers send the governor a budget without paying for the program, it likely will set up a court battle.
April 29, 2021
CDC UPDATES COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR FULLY VACCINATED ADULTS
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated mask guidelines for those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An individual is fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks after receiving the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The new recommendations apply only to fully vaccinated individuals. Those who are not fully vaccinated, as well as anyone fully vaccinated while taking medications that weaken the immune system, should continue to adhere to all previous recommendations regarding masking and social distancing.
According to the CDC, fully vaccinated individuals may now do the following:
· Gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask or staying six feet apart.
· Gather indoors with unvaccinated people of any age from one other household without masks or staying six feet apart unless an unvaccinated person at increased risk for severe illness is present. Note the recommendation is “one other household,” not two or more households.
· Gather or do things outdoors without wearing a mask except in crowded settings and venues.
· If you have been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to quarantine or get tested for the virus unless you have symptoms.
· If traveling within the
· If traveling outside of the
· When boarding an international flight back to the
· You do not need to quarantine after arriving back in the United States; however, you should still get tested three to five days after returning from international travel or sooner if you are experiencing symptoms.
The CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people continue to practice precautions in other situations:
Continue wearing a snugly fitted mask in indoor public settings, while indoors with unvaccinated adults and children from more than one household, and when visiting indoors with an unvaccinated person at increased risk for severe illness.
Avoid large indoor gatherings.
Protect yourself while traveling by wearing a mask, practicing good hand hygiene, and maintaining social distance when possible.
If you begin to experience symptoms of COVID-19, immediately quarantine, and get tested.
Continue to follow guidance at your workplace and while visiting public places.
COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing the disease, especially severe illness and death from it. However, there are several issues undetermined about vaccines:
How effective they are against COVID-19 variants
How long they protect people against COVID-19
How effective they are at keeping vaccinated people from spreading the disease
How well they protect people with weakened immune systems and those taking medications that suppress immunity
Comprehensive information regarding the updated guidelines for vaccinated people is available on the CDC website.
HY-VEE PHARMACY NOW OFFERING FREE COVID VACCINES WITHOUT APPOINTMENTS
On Wednesday, Hy-Vee, Inc. announced that all Hy-Vee pharmacy locations will now offer free COVID-19 vaccines with no appointment necessary to provide the option to walk in and receive the vaccine when it’s convenient.
For those who prefer to make a vaccine appointment in advance, that option is still available by visiting www.hy-vee.com/covidvaccine, selecting “Find Appointments” and completing the digital vaccine informed consent form and appointment selection.
COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone, regardless of whether they have insurance or Medicare Part B coverage.
BILL DISCOURAGING COVID RELATED LAWSUITS HITS ROADBLOCK
A
A House committee voted the bill down Monday.
The measure was meant to protect hospitals, manufacturers and other businesses from lawsuits over alleged wrongdoing during the pandemic.
Republican Gov. Mike Parson says the bill is a top priority for him.
The measure passed the GOP-led Senate before it failed to pass out of the House committee.
It's still possible for the proposal to pass before lawmakers' May 14 deadline, but the failure in the House committee isn't a good sign.
The Missouri Senate has tabled a bill to invalidate federal gun laws after pushback from Democrats who said the proposal would threaten partnerships between local and federal authorities.
The bill seeks to invalidate federal laws or other actions deemed to infringe on a person's Second Amendment right to bear arms, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Republican Sen. Eric Burlison, of Battlefield, said it would allow individuals to sue local police departments and governments if their action "knowingly deprives a citizen of
Critics have said courts have ruled that federal laws cannot be nullified by the states.
April 28, 2021
A Missouri House committee unanimously endorsed a proposal to increase the state's gasoline tax.
The House Transportation Committee's vote on Monday sends the measure to the full House, where some Republicans oppose raising taxes.
If it's approved,
It would be the first increase since 1996.
House Speaker Rob Vescovo, a Republican from
The Senate approved the measure in March.
Supporters say the state needs the revenue to repair deteriorating infrastructure.
The number of Missourians who have been infected with the coronavirus has now topped the half-million mark.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services on Tuesday cited 524 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total since the start of the pandemic to 500,071.
The state also reported 37 new deaths, though 34 of those occurred between November and earlier this month and were uncovered in the state's weekly review of death certificates.
All told, 8,732 Missourians have died from the virus.
April 27, 2021
Weather permitting, Tuesday, May 4, crews will close Montgomery County Route P at Dry Fork Creek, located 0.7 mile south of Montgomery County Route K near
This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
Crews will begin setting signs for the project to notify motorists of the closure.
GOVERNOR PARSON ANNOUNCES LIHEAP ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CHANGES TO HELP MORE MISSOURIANS PAY ENERGY BILLS
Last week Governor Mike Parson announced that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is extending one-time primary heating bill payments through May 31, 2021.
In addition, eligibility for both the heating and cooling programs are expanding from
60 Percent of the SMI
|
Number of Persons |
Monthly Income |
Yearly Income |
|
1 |
$ 2,211 |
$ 26,531 |
|
2 |
$ 2,891 |
$ 34,694 |
|
3 |
$ 3,571 |
$ 42,858 |
|
4 |
$ 4,252 |
$ 51,021 |
|
5 |
$ 4,932 |
$ 59,184 |
|
6 |
$ 5,612 |
$ 67,348 |
To determine eligibility for households over six people, add an additional $128 per person per month or $1,536 per year.
In addition to meeting the income criteria, households must also meet the following criteria to qualify for LIHEAP:
Winter ECIP runs November through May and helps get low-income households out of crisis when its energy source has been shut off or is at risk of disconnection. Low-income Missourians who have received a disconnect notice or know a disconnect notice is coming should get help now to prevent service disconnection later.
Missourians can submit a LIHEAP application form online, by mail or fax, or drop off a paper application form in person.
April 26, 2021
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced Friday vaccinators throughout the state will resume using the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The decision comes 10 days after the CDC announced a nationwide pause on the shot due to a small number of people reporting a rare and severe type of blood clot caused by the vaccine.
The FDA and CDC made the decision to lift the pause after the CDC studied the vaccine and concluded the "known and potential benefits" of the single shot vaccine "outweigh its known and potential risks."
Even though the side effects are rare, both the FDA and CDC recommend people who develop "severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks" of receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should immediately contact a health care provider.
A law proposed by state lawmakers in
The proposal would give voters the option to stop the collection of personal property taxes in
Items in this tax include vehicles, livestock, machinery and office equipment.
But, some lawmakers like Missouri State Senator Cindy O'Laughlin say that the lost revenue would be too much and would hurt rural communities.
"A lot of things that it is paying for, our schools, our nursing homes, our emergency services," said State Senator Cindy O'Laughlin. "So, no one from the state Legislature level is going to come in and give us money to replace that loss, so there's no way I'm voting for it."
The bill already failed in the Senate earlier this year, but the house has reintroduced it and will vote on it before the end of the legislative year.
With COVID-19 putting millions of Americans out of work, some have had a hard time getting back on their feet.
However, some lawmakers believe the reason that the unemployment rate is going up is not due to there not being jobs, but that they are making more money from staying at home, than at their original jobs.
With Republicans like Missouri State Senator Cindy O'Laughlin saying that the aid is hurting the economy, not helping it.
"They're not very good at getting things done, but one thing they can do is keep you from getting it done and I think that's what happening here," said
According to the Department of Labor,
Weekend Report- April 24-25, 2021
TEENAGE GIRL KILLED IN AUDRAIN
An unidentified teenage girl from
MAN INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH EARLY SUNDAY MORNING
A man was injured in a motorcycle crash early Sunday morning in
TEEN HURT IN FRIDAY MORNING WRECK
A teen was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Friday morning in
April 23, 2021
HOUSE PASSES BILL BANNING TRANSGENDER GIRLS FROM COMPETING IN GIRLS SPORTS
Transgender girls would be banned from playing on girls' sports teams under a bill advancing in the Missouri House.
House lawmakers voted 100-51 on Wednesday to add the proposal to another bill.
Republican supporters argued the change is needed to protect girls in sports.
They decried the risk of being called bigots, hateful or transphobic for proposing the rule.
Democrats at times wept and said the rule change could push transgender children to kill themselves.
A Missouri Senate budget committee has voted against funding Medicaid expansion.
The budget panel voted 7-7 Wednesday on a Republican-sponsored proposal that would have set money aside to pay for the program.
The tied vote meant the proposal failed.
The Republican-led Legislature is arguing over whether to pay for it.
The leader of the budget committee says it's now up to the full Senate to make a final decision on funding for the program.
April 22, 2021
On Wednesday, the Missouri House voted overwhelmingly to expel Republican Rep. Rick Roeber from the House, who is accused of sexually and physically abusing his children years ago.
Top lawmakers cited the offenses he committed make him unfit to serve.
His now-adult children testified to House investigators earlier this year that he sexually abused two of them at the ages of 5 and 9.
The committee found records that show his children reported the abuse years ago but prosecutors didn’t file charges. He previously told the committee that he didn’t sexually abuse his children.
Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) is partnering with Boone Health and MU Health Care to host a COVID-19 vaccination outreach clinic at
The clinic is being held at the park for neighbors in the area but all are welcome to schedule an appointment. Moderna will be given at this clinic so anyone aged 18 or older is eligible for the vaccine. The vaccine is free and no health insurance is required.
Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments can be made by following this link: CoMo.gov/Health/fgfhysiispkd/?ap=ftyhkuio39ddd%*7_special_event or by visiting
April 21, 2021
BABYSITTER CHARGED WITH SECOND DEGREE MURDER IN DEATH OF
A 44-year-old babysitter has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of an 8-month-old girl.
Jennifer Johnson, of Fayette, was charged Monday after the girl died on Sunday night at a
Johnson was also charged with child abuse and child endangerment.
Court documents say the child suffered multiple bruises on her head, face and abdomen, as well as cuts on her chin and nose.
Johnson was babysitting for the child and her siblings Saturday night.
When the parents returned Sunday morning, they found the baby unresponsive and rushed her to a hospital.
Johnson was being held in the Boone County Jail with no bond.
DIRECTOR OF
Republican Gov. Mike Parson on Tuesday announced the departure of Department of Health and Senior Services Director Dr. Randall Williams.
Williams was appointed to the job in 2017 by Parson's predecessor, former GOP Gov. Eric Greitens.
Williams helped lead the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic and is leaving amid the vaccine rollout.
Parson says he's naming his deputy chief of staff, Robert Knodell, to be the state's acting health director.
Parson says Knodell has also been leading the state's COVID-19 response, but Knodell doesn't have a medical background as Williams does
REPORT SAYS
A state House committee report says a new
The Missouri House Ethics Committee on Monday released its report on Republican Rep. Rick Roeber.
His now-adult children testified to House investigators earlier this year that he sexually abused two of them at the ages of 5 and 9.
The committee found records that show his children reported the abuse years ago but prosecutors didn't file charges.
The committee says claims against Roeber are credible.
Roeber tried to resign last week, but the House refused to accept his resignation in order to complete the investigation.
April 20, 2021
On Sunday at 9:27 pm, MPSD were called to the 800 block of Boulevard regarding a residential fire. They found that a candle had been left burning, unattended, in the living room. The candle caught nearby window dressings on fire. The fire was contained and extinguished in that area with the curtains and ceiling suffering fire damage but the rest of the building was not damaged. There were no injuries from the incident.
At approximately 11:16 a.m. on April 18, the Columbia Police Department responded to a report of a death that occurred in the 1000 block of
Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim was an eight month old female.
During the course of the investigation, detectives with the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division were called to assist and determined the death of the infant was a homicide.
A suspect was identified as Jennifer Johnson, 44, of Fayette.
As a result, Johnson was arrested for second degree murder, child abuse and first degree child endangerment.
Johnson has been remanded to the custody of Boone County Jail.
This investigation is ongoing and is being handled by the Criminal Investigations Division. More details may become available later.
If you know something, say something. Columbia Police are asking for your help. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
THREE
Three
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by 68 year old Linda Hoaglin of
April 19, 2021
Called Stronger Together, the campaign will begin next month and will provide vaccination information through radio, TV, print and social media messages.
Vaccinators this week reported hundreds of openings for appointments around the state, despite the opening of eligibility.
State data also shows that just 33.3% of residents had received at least one dose as of Thursday.
Health department spokeswoman Lisa Cox says the number of public health agencies requesting vaccines dropped by half last week.
HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN OF POSSIBLE LEGIONNAIRES DISEASE EXPOSURE AT MACON HOTEL
State and local health officials are warning of a potential for Legionnaires' disease exposure at a hotel in northeast
Two people were diagnosed with the severe form of pneumonia after using the hot tub or the pool late last month while staying at a Comfort Inn & Suites in
Officials say it is unknown whether the hotel was the source of the bacteria that caused the two people to become sick.
KMIZ-TV reports that testing of the hot tub indicated the presence of Legionella bacteria; all other test results were negative.
ARMED ROBBERY REPORTED IN MOBERLY
Moberly police are investigating the report of a weekend armed robbery.
The incident happened at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, at Check into Cash, located on
Police say a male subject walked into the business, displayed a handgun and demanded money.
The subject then fled the store on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.
An employee and customer were inside the store when the robbery occurred and were not injured.
According to witness description and surveillance video, the subject is identified as a tall white male, medium build, and was wearing dark colored clothing and had a partial covering over his face.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Moberly Police Department at 660-263-0346 or the Moberly Crime Line at 660-269-TIPS. Any area residents that possibly have surveillance cameras are also asked to check their footage, and contact the department if they observe anything of value related to the investigation.
Weekend Report- April 17-18, 2021
PAVEMENT WORK WILL TEMPORARILY
Weather permitting, Apr. 19-23, MoDOT crews will close Montgomery County Route FF from
On Wednesday, April 14 at approximately 11:44PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 400 block of
April 15, 2021
COLUMIBA POLICE RESPOND TO SHOTS FIRED REPORT
Columbia Police responded to the 300 block of
During the investigation, officers located two juveniles that were in the area. Probable cause was developed to detain both juveniles.
Both juveniles were released to their guardians.
No property damage was located.
No injuries were reported.
This is an ongoing investigation. More information may become available at a later time.
If you know something, say something. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
WANTED SOUTHEAST IOWA MAN CAPTURED IN
A wanted fugitive from southeast
Trevor David White, 36, of
He was arrested on multiple active felony warrants out of Appanoose and Wapello counties in
Authorities in
The fugitive was described as armed and dangerous with violent tendencies, who was known to abuse drugs and was an escape risk.
During a surveillance operation, White left the residence, reportedly to get breakfast in
On the way into town, a
They said White failed to yield and led law enforcement on an approximately 15-mile pursuit into Sullivan County, Missouri.
There, he was arrested in a field behind a home on
White waived extradition and was transported to the
New
April 14, 2021
Captain Corey J. Schoeneberg, commanding officer of Troop F,
GOVERNOR PARSON ORDERS CAPITOL DOME AND GOVERNOR’S MANSION LIGHTED PURPLE IN RECOGNITION OF MILITARY CHILD DAY
Governor Mike Parson has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome and Missouri Governor’s Mansion to shine purple on Thursday in recognition of Military Child’s Day.
The dome and Governor’s Mansion will light up at sunset on April 15 and remain lit until sunrise on April 16. The color purple represents all branches of the military – the combination of each of their respective colors combined into one.
Missourians are encouraged to wear purple on Thursday to show their support for military children. Businesses are also encouraged to incorporate purple into their window displays and entrances.
April 13, 2021
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
An O’Fallon man was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 4:05pm Monday in
SUNDAY NIGHT MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT KILLS DRIVER
WOMAN HURT IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY CRASH
A woman was hurt in a Monday afternoon crash in
April 12, 2021
Everyone 16 and older in
State officials had announced last month that vaccines would be opened to everyone old enough to receive one on April 9.
State officials estimate that about 4.5 million
State figures show 1.8 million people in
Of those, more than 1.1 million, or about 19% of the population, had been fully vaccinated.
Nationwide, about 110 million people - more than 33% of the US population - have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, while about nearly 65 million people have completed their vaccination.
MU HEALTH CARE TO HOST COVID-19 VACCINE EVENT LATER THIS WEEK
MU Health Care is now offering nearly 7,000 COVID-19 vaccine appointment slots to all
The State of
The first-dose appointments slots are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. April 15, 16 and 17. The second doses will be scheduled 21 days later.
The website includes a link to their scheduling system, called TimeTap. Those who need help scheduling an appointment can call the COVID-19 vaccine call center at 573-771-CARE (2273). The call center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
MU Health Care initially received 4,000 doses for a two-day vaccination event, but an extra day of vaccinations was made possible by an additional state allocation of doses to Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services for a mass vaccination event that will utilize MU Health Care’s vaccination site and staff with help from the Missouri National Guard for parking and patient assistance.
MU Health Care’s vaccination site is at the Walsworth Family Columns Club at MU's football stadium and offers the vaccine by appointment only. The area is designed to allow appropriate spacing, efficient patient flow and minimal wait times. For detailed instructions and directions to the site, go to muhealth.org.
Weekend Report- April 10-11, 2021
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN OSAGE
A
MAN INJURED IN SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
A Rolla man was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday morning in
MAN INJURED IN SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
A Rolla man was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday morning in
April 9, 2021
Weather permitting, Apr. 12-16, MoDOT crews will be doing pavement work on Montgomery County Route FF. The road will be closed from
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THURSDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT
A Stover woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 9:40pm Thursday in
A Monroe City Driver received minor injuries in a single vehicle accident that occurred Wednesday night April 7th in
April 8, 2021
I-70 BRIDGE CLOSED BY TWO SEPARATE WEDNESDAY ACCIDENTS
Heavy rain was a factor in a Wednesday morning accident on the
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON STORMS CAUSE DAMAGE
A line of strong thunderstorms rolled through parts of the area Wednesday afternoon, bringing several reports of storm damage. The National Weather Service had multiple reports of damage to tree limbs and power lines in both Shelbina and Shelbyville, in
NEW APP ALLOWS RETAIL CASHIERS TO VERIFY AUTHENTICITY OF IDS WITH THEIR PHONES
The Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control announces it has partnered with the MoDOT Highway Safety and Traffic Division, to launch a free app to aid retail employees and other users in verifying the authenticity of IDs simply by scanning the ID with the camera on a mobile phone or tablet. The “Show-Me ID” app became available to all Missourians on April 1.
The app can be found in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Users search for it by typing “Show-Me ID” in their search once they have opened their app store.
Show-Me ID automatically signals the user when a scanned ID is fraudulent. The app includes a calendar feature to alert whether the bearer of a legitimate ID is of legal age to purchase alcohol or tobacco products. There is also a guide on the app that reminds the user of the proper steps for checking whether the ID is valid and the prospective purchaser is of legal age. The Show-Me ID app does not store the information from IDs it has scanned.
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among young people in the
April 7, 2021
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN
A Silex man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 9:10pm Tuesday in
APRIL IS NATIONAL SAFE DIGGING MONTH
Spring weather usually means an increase in outside projects that may require digging or excavation work.
“Before you start digging on any project, it is very important that you contact the Missouri One Call Center at 811 or 1-800-DIG-RITE (344-7483) or go online to place a locate request at www.mo1call.com so that underground utility lines can be marked,” said Missouri Public Service Commission Chairman Ryan Silvey. “Help protect yourself, your family and your property by making sure you call or click before you begin a project that requires any digging. It’s smart, it’s free and it’s the law.”
If you are planting a tree, building a deck or completing a large project,
During this three day period, utility companies will mark the approximate location of their underground lines, request additional information or advise you that they do not have facilities at the excavation site.
Hitting an underground line can cause serious injury, it could disrupt service to you and other customers and it could potentially result in fines and repair costs.
Call before you dig. It’s free and it’s the law. For more information, please go to Missouri One Call at mo1call.com
SHOW-ME ZERO TRAFFIC FATALITIES
A rise in speeding and other reckless driving behaviors continues to be a disturbing trend in 2021. During the first quarter of the year, there were 176 fatalities in
Preliminary reporting indicates excessive speed played a role in nearly one-third of the traffic deaths so far this year. Unfortunately, this behavior has been exhibited even in vulnerable roadway environments such as work zones. In a recent work zone, law enforcement officers issued 79 citations including several drivers traveling over 100 mph within just a few hours.
First quarter reports also show a high percentage of people killed in crashes were not using a seat belt. So far in 2021, 68% of the vehicle occupants killed in
Speed and a lack of seat belt use aren’t the only concerns. The number of fatalities under the age of 21 has increased by 58% during the first quarter. Likewise, 19 pedestrians have been killed so far in
With April being Distracted Driving Awareness Month, all Missourians are encouraged to take the Buckle Up Phone Down pledge. In addition,
April 6, 2021
Tuesday,
Polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
If you're in line at the closing time of 7 p.m., you have the right to cast your vote.
You're also reminded to bring an acceptable form of voter identification, which includes:
According to the Missouri Secretary of State's Office, if you do not possess any of those forms of identification, but are a registered voter, you may cast a provisional ballot. Your ballot will count if: you return to your polling place on Election Day with a photo ID; or the signature on your provisional ballot envelope is determined by your local election authority to match the signature on your voter registration record. If you cast a provisional ballot, you will receive a stub from your provisional ballot envelope with instructions on how to verify your ballot is counted.
COVID-19 CASES IN
After weeks of declining COVID-19 transmissions across
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the number of new daily cases of the coronavirus peaked in January then began to drop sharply.
The
Experts note that caseloads and hospitalizations have stalled at current levels for about four weeks.
Many worry that people are letting their guard down prematurely.
FORMER MISSOURI REPRESENTATIVE SENTENCED FOR WIRE FRAUD
A former Missouri State Representative was sentenced last week for misusing campaign funds.
According to a release from the Justice Department U.S. District Judge Stephen Clark sentenced former Missouri District 73 State Representative Courtney Curtis to 21 months in prison and ordered restitution payment to victims of wire fraud. Curtis pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud after falsely representing financial contributions to his “Curtis for MO” campaign. Curtis told donors that the funds would be used for campaign and reelection purposes but he used a significant amount of the money for his own personal use and expenses. Curtis obtained over $47,000 from his campaign account for personal use. Curtis served as the State Representative for
April 5, 2021
STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY
A state health official says the loss of up to 15 million doses of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine due to a manufacturing mistake should have no immediate impact in
Adam Crumbliss is director of the public health division of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
He told a vaccine advisory panel this week that increases in
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Crumbliss says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not yet "clearly articulated" to states what the eventual impact would be from Johnson & Johnson's manufacturing problem.
MOBERLY MAN FOUND GUILTY OF 2014 MURDER OF POPLAR BLUFF MAN
A 35-year-old Moberly man will be sentenced in May after being found guilty of murder in the death of a
A
His body was found on the southern banks of the
Authorities said he was shot twice in the head.
After the body was found, authorities discovered Ramirez's home had been burglarized and set on fire.
Weekend Report- April 3-4, 2021
TEEN INJURED IN
A teen was injured in an accident that occurred at 7:50am Friday in
MAN INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH
An Eldon man was injured in a motorcycle crash Friday night in
DRIVER HURT IN SATURDAY MORNING WRECK
An Owensville driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday morning in
April 2, 2021
Weather permitting, Apr. 5-9, MoDOT crews will be doing pavement work on Montgomery County Route FF. The road will be closed from
MISSOURI GOVERNOR GIVES COVID-19 UPDATE
Missouri Governor Mike Parson held a press conference Thursday afternoon giving an update on COVID-19 in the state.
The state's 7-day positivity rate is steady around 4% and hospitalizations have dropped below 800 for the first time since early August.
Phase II of Missouri’s vaccine plan was activated on Monday making 880,000 more Missourians eligible for the vaccine.
The state is making progress and plans to continue the trend.
"Next Friday, on April the 9th, Phase III will open to all
With Phase III opening up next week and supplies continuing to increase, Parson encourages all Missourians to consider getting a vaccine to protect themselves, their families, friends and neighbors.
The Missouri House has voted against paying for Medicaid expansion.
The Republican-led chamber on Thursday passed a budget proposal without enough funding to cover more people under the government health care program.
The policy is now enshrined in the state Constitution.
The House budget leader says the goal of keeping that funding out of the budget is to prevent expansion from happening as scheduled in July.
Democratic lawmakers say the move goes against what residents voted for last year.
On Wednesday at approximately 10:15 AM the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 4500 block of
On Wednesday at approximately 5:42PM, alert businesses notified the Mexico Public Safety Department about a suspicious person. Officers located and arrested Russell C Moore Jr., of O’Fallon for fraudulently attempting to obtain controlled substances, forgery, and possession of forging instrumentality.
April 1, 2021
Weather permitting, Monday, April 5, crews will close Montgomery County Route J at Clear Creek, located 2.5 miles west of Missouri Route 19 near
This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
The new bridge will be 22 feet wide that is two feet wider than the existing bridge. Guardrail will also be added for safety.
Crews will begin setting signs for the project to notify motorists of the closure.
O’FALLON
An O’Fallon,
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by 25 year old Tyler Steinman of O’Fallon was westbound on Interstate 70 near mile marker 136 at around 5:20 Tuesday evening. Steinman was traveling in the right lane of the Interstate and a semi driven by 57 year old Peter Posta of
HY-VEE ANNOUNCES THAT COVID-19 VACCINES ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL HY-VEE PHARMACY LOCATIONS
Hy-Vee is announcing Wednesday that COVID-19 vaccines are now available at all Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations.
There are 270 pharmacy locations across eight states. Through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, Hy-Vee began vaccinations in their last state,
Receiving a vaccine supply directly from the CDC, Hy-Vee was already a partner of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program in
March 31, 2021
WOMAN INJURED IN
A
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by 52 year old Gary Calhoun of
BILL TO BAN POLICE CHOKEHOLDS IN
A bill to ban police chokeholds has passed the Missouri Senate.
Senators voted 30-4 in favor of the measure.
The bill's passage came the same day the trial began against a former
On Monday at approximately 6:14PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1300 block of
March 30, 2021
CONSTRUCTION SET TO BEGIN THIS SUMMER ON
Construction will begin this summer on Ameren
The facility will be in
The new solar facility is the second site that is part of the company’s Community Solar program.
Through that program, Ameren customers have the ability of using cleaner sources of energy without having to make any renovations to their property.
“Bottom line—our transformative plan brings new, cleaner energy to all of our customers and targets the elimination of carbon emissions all while meeting our customers' energy needs now and into the future,” said Ameren Missouri Chairman and President Marty Lyons.
Ameren expects this new facility to be operational by the end of the year.
Through the construction of this new facility, Ameren hopes to meet its net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050.
The first milestone the company is on track to meet is cutting its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.
The next phase of the vaccination rollout began Monday, March 29, making almost 900,000 Missourians eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
According to
Library employees are included in this phase, as well as faculty and staff at higher education institutions.
Those who work in the chemical and construction sectors are included in Phase 2.
Employees in the critical manufacturing sector and the defense industrial base sector are also included in this phase.
The commercial facilities sector includes eight subsectors such as retail employees. Employees in financial services are eligible.
The remaining part of the food and agriculture sector is now able to get the vaccine which includes restaurant employees.
This phase makes government employees eligible and disproportionately affected populations, which the website says emphasizes racial and ethnic minorities not otherwise included in Phase 1B.
This phase also includes people who are homeless in
After Phase 2, which does not have any tiers, Phase 3 is the final part of
It includes anyone who has not yet been vaccinated but wants to do so.
Governor Parson announced Phase 3 is set to open Friday, April 9.
March 29, 2021
Weather permitting, Monday, April 5, crews will close Montgomery County Route J at Clear Creek, located 2.5 miles west of Missouri Route 19 near
This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
The new bridge will be 22 feet wide that is two feet wider than the existing bridge. Guardrail will also be added for safety.
Crews will begin setting signs for the project to notify motorists of the closure.
A
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by 60 year old Timothy Wright of
The NGA Center for Best Practices selected Missouri and three other states for its “2021 Policy Academy to Advance Whole-of-State Cybersecurity,” the most recent in NGA’s ongoing efforts since 2016 to help states and territories develop, refine and share best practices in cybersecurity governance, workforce development, critical infrastructure security, and local engagement and partnership.
Cyber threats to businesses, governments and ordinary citizen grow each year as criminals, hackers and foreign adversaries become more sophisticated.
The NGA will work with the
The other states selected to participate in the NGA 2021 cybersecurity policy academy were
March 26, 2021
Choi said in his message, however, that the university remains committed to keeping its community safe, and said that mask-wearing and social distancing will continue to be required until public health guidance changes.
Choi said he realizes that social distancing is not possible in all circumstances, so he will allow supervisors to devise flexible work arrangements where appropriate.
He provided a link to a website, Show Me Renewal, which will inform workers of any changes to the policy as they occur.
A legislative attempt to put checks on local
Senators voted 19-11 against the proposal Thursday.
Some Republicans joined the Democratic minority to defeat the bill.
The measure is in response to actions by St. Louis-area health officials to shut down businesses and limit gatherings to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Suburban St. Louis Republican Sen. Bob Onder's bill would have required city council approval for extended business restrictions.
Democratic senators argue the change could limit health officials' ability to respond to deadly health crises.
At approximately 2:50 a.m. Columbia Police responded to a report of a structure fire and an assault that occurred in the 3200 block of
Upon arrival, officers located a female victim who reported she had been assaulted by an adult female suspect. The victim was transported to a local hospital to be treated for injuries.
The investigation revealed that a fire had been set inside the residence. Firefighters were called to the scene to assist.
Through further investigation, the suspect was identified as Myrna Asberry, 55, of
This is an ongoing investigation and is being handled by the Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. More information may become available at a later time.
If you know something, say something. Columbia Police are asking for your help. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
March 25, 2021
PSC APPROVES AGREEMENT IN AMEREN
The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved an agreement which grants Union Electric Company d/b/a Ameren Missouri a certificate of convenience and necessity (CCN) to construct, own, operate and maintain a solar generating facility in
This will serve as the second program resource for Ameren
The
In its application, Ameren
The Commission stated in its order that the application demonstrates and the parties to the agreement have agreed that: 1) There is a need for the service; 2) Ameren Missouri is qualified to provide the proposed service; 3) Ameren Missouri has the financial ability to provide the service; 4) Ameren Missouri’s proposal is economically feasible; and 5) The service promotes the public interest.
Ameren
MISSOURI ATTORNEY GENERAL ANNOUNCES 2022 SENATE BID
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt has announced he will run for U.S. Senate in 2022.
He released a statement announcing his plans on Wednesday morning. Part of the statement says, "In the U.S. Senate, I will continue the fight to preserve the conservative policies championed by President Trump that built the strongest economy in American history.”
Schmitt joins former Missouri Governor Eric Greitens on the Republican side. Democrat Lucas Kunce, a Marine veteran, announced his plan to run on March 10th.
Current Sen. Roy Blunt announced on March 8th that he would not seek a third term.
MDC URGING
The Missouri Department of Conservation is reminding community members not to dump pets after rescuing five puppies who were abandoned in southern
According to a Facebook post, the MDC received a call about the puppies from a concerned community member. The dogs were found hungry and without collars at White Ranch Conservation area.
Conservation Agent Corporal Matt Franks took the dogs to a local animal shelter. The MDC said the puppies survived but most pets don't.
March 24, 2021
FORMER MISSOURI GOVERNOR GREITENS ANNOUNCES BID FOR U.S. SENATE SEAT IN 2022
Former Missouri Governor Eric Greitens announced Monday he will be making a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2022.
Greitens, who resigned from office in May of 2018 amid scandal, made the announcement while on Fox News.
Greitens will look to fill the seat currently held by
The news comes after
An
Todd A. Boyd, 55, of
Boyd is charged with one count of stealing and one count of burglary-second degree in regards to a burglary near
He is currently being held in the Lewis County Jail on a $10,000 cash-only bond.
Both charges Boyd is facing are Class D felonies.
Two other suspects in the burglary remain at large.
If you have any information about the case, you are asked to contact the Lewis County Sheriff's Office.
On Thursday, March 18 at approximately 4:16PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the area of the 1600 block of
March 23, 2021
A northeast
It happened at 12:15 p.m. Sunday on
State troopers say a motorcycle operated by 62 year old Tamela Crane of
Crane was thrown off the bike. She suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's online crash report, Crane was wearing a helmet.
MISSOURI GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES $300 MILLION FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
On Monday, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced the transfer of $300 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) from the state treasury into the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund to help keep the balance above the level that would trigger an increase in contribution tax rates for
“With over 96 percent of
With thousands unemployed during the pandemic,
As of February 2021,
Racial justice advocates and others have decried a
Critics rallied against the measure Monday at the Capitol before a House committee considered the bill.
The legislation would make repeatedly blocking traffic a felony.
Republican Sen. Bill Eigel says he thought of the idea after protesters angered by the death of George Floyd blocked traffic on Interstate 70 in the
He says blocking highways puts protesters and drivers in danger.
Protest leaders say the bill is an effort to stop racial justice demonstrations.
March 22, 2021
Gov. Mike Parson on Friday announced individuals now have until May 17 to file state taxes, instead of April 15.
Parson says his administration delayed the due date to help people still struggling financially because of the pandemic.
The federal tax deadline also has been pushed back to May 17.
Also Friday, researchers released a pilot study showing low virus transmission in some
At approximately 5:21 p.m. on March 20, Columbia Police responded to a report of shots fired in the 5300 block of Godas Cir.
Upon arrival, officers canvassed the area and located several shell casings, property damage to the residence and nearby vehicles.
At this time, there is no suspect description available. No injuries were reported at the time of the incident.
This is an ongoing investigation. More information may become available later.
At approximately 8:44 a.m. on March 19, Columbia Police responded to a report of a burglary with a weapon in the 2000 block of
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from life-threatening injuries near the residence. Officers rendered aid to the adult male until
Through further investigation, officers learned that the male was the suspect who illegally entered the residence on
D’Agostino was pronounced dead on the scene. Next of kin has been notified.
There were no other reported suspects involved. This is an ongoing investigation and is being handled by the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division. More information may become available later.
If you know something, say something. Columbia Police are asking for your help. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
Weekend Report- March 20-21, 2021
TEEN DRIVER INJURED IN GASCONADE
A teen driver was injured in an accident that occurred at 8:55pm Saturday in
MAN HURT IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH
A Wentzville man was hurt in a motorcycle crash Saturday afternoon in
MAN INJURED IN FRIDAY NIGHT WRECK
A man was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Friday night in
March 19, 2021
On Thursday at about 8:00AM, the City of Mexico closed
The Mexico Public Safety Department is joining law enforcement statewide in a youth seatbelt mobilization March 15-31. MPSD’s participation will consist of targeted patrols with enforcement geared towards seatbelt and child restraint laws. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT), only 75.5% of teen drivers wear their seatbelts and around 70% of teens killed in crashes are unbuckled.
For more information on
REPORTS SHOW MISSOURIANS PAYING 16 PERCENT MORE FOR GASOLINE THAN IN FEBRUARY
According to a report by AAA, the statewide gas price average in
The report shows that price is five cents more compared to this day last week and is 74 cents more per gallon compared to this day last year.
Based on a survey, AAA said drivers in
The report states national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.88, which is six cents more compared to this day last week and 67 cents more than the price per gallon at this same time last year, according to AAA Gas Prices.
The report states:
Gas prices are continuing to increase, despite the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest report showing
On the week, regional refinery utilization increased by 10 percent.
The last time
“Missourians are paying about 16 percent more to fill up today, compared to February,” AAA spokesperson Nick Chabarria said. “Prices are expected to continue climbing through the remainder of March, but potentially in smaller increments.”
According to AAA gas prices, drivers in
March 18, 2021
Officials are planning for a full Missouri State Fair after the event was canceled last year because of the coronavirus.
Missouri Agriculture Director Chris Chinn on Tuesday confirmed plans to bring the fair back this year.
Officials canceled the event last year over concerns about safety during the pandemic.
The
This year's fair is scheduled for Aug. 12 through Aug. 22.
Virus cases across the state have been dipping since COVID-19 peaked in November.
A
According to the Columbia Police Department, a vehicle driven by 47 year old Paul Kemei of
TWO
Two
The St. Joseph News-Press reports that 75 inmates are being transferred from the minimum security
The low-security
A prison spokeswoman says staff will also be moved to the larger facilities, where they can be used to help reduce overtime.
March 17, 2021
IF YOU FEEL DIFFERENT YOU DRIVE DIFFERENT
This St. Patrick’s Day holiday make sure your luck doesn’t run out. Plan for a sober ride home should you choose to take part in the celebration. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety reminds motorists of the various options available to get everyone home safely. Designating a sober driver, calling a ride share, or using public transportation is just a few of those options. Remember, if you feel different, you drive different.
Law enforcement agencies across
Based on 2020 preliminary data, 188 people were killed in
Besides driving completely sober from alcohol and drugs, motorists are also advised to slow down, put their cellphones down while driving and always buckle up – everyone, every trip, every time.
Show-Me Zero is designed to give all Missourians a better understanding of the crash problem in our state and identify specific ways everyone can help. From individuals and families to local and statewide organizations, we all play a role in making
Wearing a seat belt could save your life.
That is the message the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants young drivers to understand.
Car crashes continue to be the number one cause for traffic fatalities, but wearing a seat belt can lower the risk of death.
Through the end of March, law enforcement will be monitoring the roads in
According to Missouri Department of Transportation Assistant Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Jon Nelson, nationally, 91% of all drivers use a seat belt.
The average in
It is only 75.5% when it comes to young adults.
Here are some things to keep in mind before hitting the road:
Under
185 young adults were killed in traffic crashes between 2017 and 2019. 72% of those were not buckled up.
Seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 45% and moderate-to-critical injuries by 50%.
MEXICO
On Saturday, March 13 at approximately 4:19PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1000 block of
On Sunday at approximately 11:56AM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1000 block of Latney in reference to a subject on a bicycle being hit by a vehicle. Responding personnel learned that Christie Lynn, age 48 of
March 16, 2021
The Mexico Public Safety Department is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and law enforcement nationwide to deter impaired driving during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. MPSD will be attempting to locate and arrest impaired drivers and would like to remind everyone that if you feel the effects of any drug you should not be driving. NHTSA is reminding everyone that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving and that during St. Patrick’s Day weekend in 2019, 63% of crash fatalities involved an impaired driver.
On Friday, March 12 the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to several calls of thefts from motor vehicles that occurred during the previous overnight hours. The thefts mostly occurred in the area between Boulevard and
Anyone with information about these or any other crimes, is asked to contact CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 392-TIPS or (800) 392-8477 or Mexico Public Safety at (573) 473-5800 or (573) 581-2100.
COLUMBIA
Columbia Police responded to a report of shots fired in the parking lot of Waffle House,
Upon arrival, officers located one adult male in the parking lot who sustained a life-threatening wound.
CPD officers, Columbia Fire Department and EMS provided aid until the victim, identified as Reginald E. Ball, 51, of Columbia was pronounced deceased at the scene. Next of kin has been notified.
This is an ongoing investigation being conducted by detectives from the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division. More information may become available at a later time.
If you know something, say something. Columbia Police are asking for your help. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS CONTINURE TO URGE PRIORITIZING COVID-19 TESTING
Even as COVID-19 vaccines become more widely available, state health officials are urging Missourians to prioritize taking preventative measures and getting tested in order to not diminish the progress the state has made in fighting the virus over the last year.
These preventative measures include good handwashing, social distancing, and wearing a mask when social distancing is not feasible. Once eligible, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) said getting vaccinated "is highly encouraged and highly effective."
Another piece of the overall mitigation strategy that continues to be encouraged is testing. The state's top health official is urging residents to continue getting tested, saying that it is just as important as ever to get tested especially with variants being found throughout the
“We learned quickly in the early days of this public health crisis how important testing was to prevent the spread of the virus, and it is part of the reason why
The State of
For the remainder of March, the State and the Missouri Primary Care Association will host testing events 2-3 times per week. These events will be held in the
The DHSS said more events may be scheduled in targeted communities if new case counts or other indicators identify the need for additional testing.
Community testing events are continually being scheduled and added to the listing found at health.mo.gov/communitytest where registration takes place. These tests are completely free and available to any
March 15, 2021
GOVERNOR PARSON APPOINTS NATHAN CARROZ AS ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGE FOR THE 12th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
Last week Governor Mike Parson appointed Nathan A. Carroz as Associate Circuit Judge for the 12th Judicial Circuit. He will fill the Associate Circuit Judge vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Kelly Broniec to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.
Mr. Carroz, of
CORONAVIRUS CASES ON SLIGHT UPWARD TICK AFTER MONTHS OF DECLINING
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the state's coronavirus infection rate has tumbled since the fall, when
That average fell as low as 343 on March 6, but has since edged upward, to 395 on Friday.
Dr. Sriram Vissa, chief medical officer at
Residents in Phase 1B - Tier 3 will officially be eligible to receive the vaccine on Monday, March 15.
Here is who will now be eligible for the vaccine.
Weekend Report- March 13-14, 2021
HEALTH INSURANCE SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD OPEN
The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) wants to make Missourians aware of a Special Enrollment Period in response to the public health emergency which will allow consumers to purchase new individual health coverage or change their Marketplace plan for 2021.
This Special Enrollment Period, which runs from now through May 15, 2021 allows consumers to enroll for the coverage they need for 2021. Consumers may enroll for these benefits on the HealthCare.gov website. Some health insurers are also offering the opportunity to enroll for coverage for 2021 outside the federal Marketplace as well.
If you purchase through the federal Marketplace, your cost may be reduced if you are eligible for an advanced premium tax credit (APTC). The credits are only available if you buy insurance on the Marketplace. They are not available for policies purchased off the Marketplace or for policies purchased through your employer.
Insurance companies offering individual plans in 2021 are Healthy Alliance Life Insurance Company (Anthem), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, Ambetter from Home State Health (Celtic/Centene), Cigna, Cox, Oscar, Medica, and SSM (Well First Health). Consumers can access the department’s coverage map for more information on companies in their county.
For more information and to utilize the department’s shopping tool, visit the department’s website at www.insurance.mo.gov or call the Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390.
MISSOURI
Support developing a state action plan and policy recommendations to develop or scale innovations that increase employment and deliver stronger workforce outcomes;
Up to $100,000 in grant funding to support personnel and project coordination to carry out state innovations; and
Virtual or in-person site visits and regular coaching calls from
The Missouri Office of Workforce Development’s application included a focus on enabling the state to develop an action plan to increase job-seeker engagement in its workforce development programs by 60 percent by 2025.
To receive the grants and qualify as a member of the network, states submitted proposals focused on the creation of new, unified virtual service delivery platforms, digital inclusion and skill development strategies, and equitable access to high-quality work opportunities via the adoption of new state job quality and self-sufficiency standards.
March 12, 2021
MISSOURI GOVERNOR GIVES UPDATE ON STATE’S COVID-19 VACCINE PROGRESS
Missouri Governor Mike Parson held a press conference Thursday afternoon giving an update on how the state is handling COVID-19.
The main concern of the conference was the continued effort to vaccinate Missourians.
There have been 1.1 million Missourians who have already started the vaccination process.
On Monday the state will officially move to vaccinating Phase 1B Tier 3.
The governor also announced that since vaccination efforts are ahead of schedule, Phase 2 may start sooner than expected.
The governor also said he is shifting his focus to
Parson announced a mega vaccination event next week at Arrowhead Stadium, with the plan to vaccinate over 6,000
There is another event being planned for the
Parson also said he wants to meet the demand for vaccinations throughout the state.
"We are working as supply will allow the higher vaccine demand in our cites, while still keeping vaccine distribution equitable across the state," said Gov. Parson.
The governor said that he hopes to vaccinate enough
Bills to revamp
On Thursday, lawmakers passed bills to collect online sales taxes and raise the gas tax.
The House and Senate approved bills to change that.
Collecting online sales taxes is estimated to bring in as much as $190 million by 2027.
Lawmakers are trying to offset those gains by a slight cut to income taxes.
Another bill would raise
MISSOURI HOUSE PASSES BILL REQUIRING BUY INS TO CLOSE BUSINESS FOR EXTENDED PERIODS
Extended
The GOP-led House voted 115-44 Thursday in favor of requiring approval from local governing bodies to close schools, businesses and churches for more than 15 days.
Lawmakers pitched the idea over concerns about store closures as local officials tried to stem COVID-19.
Meanwhile,
KCUR reports that the state revealed Wednesday that earlier data overcounted residents with more than one racial heritage.
On Thursday at approximately 4:54AM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 4600 block of
March 11, 2021
AS
In recent weeks,
According to state data, an average of 336 new virus cases have recently been reported daily.
State health officials say
Overall,
Despite the decrease in new cases, Missouri Health and Senior Services Director Dr. Randall Williams says now is not the time to let your guard down.
"We don't say that to brag, we say keep on doing what we've been doing. What has gotten us here is the spirit of cooperation and working together, and people doing what we've asked them to do. So we say keep it up. This is not the time to relax or to stop."
At the same time, COVID-19 vaccine supply in
So far, over 1.6 million Missourians have been vaccinated in less than 3 months.
LAWMAKERS CONSIDERING BILL THAT RELAXES IMMUNIZATION RULES
A House committee debated a proposal Tuesday that would require only students in public schools to have immunizations and allow students to attend school without vaccinations if they have evidence of acquired immunity from a disease.
The bill also would make it easier for Missourians to exempt themselves and their families from immunizations.
Republican Rep. Suzie Pollock, of
She said she believes schools and health departments need to be reined in from implementing such requirements.
Medical organizations oppose the bill, saying it would hamper efforts to slow the spread of diseases like COVID-19.
MARCH 15 DEADLINE TO COMPLETE ELECTION & ENROLLMENT FOR 2021 AGRICULTURE RISK COVERAGE, PRICE LOSS COVERAGE PROGRAMS
Agricultural producers who have not yet elected and enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for 2021 have until March 15. Producers who have not signed a contract or who want to make an election change should contact their local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
“In times like these, from winter storms to a pandemic, we’re reminded of the importance of managing risk,” said Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). “The Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs provide critical support to farmers to protect them from substantial drops in crop prices or revenues. If you have not enrolled or made elections, please do so by the March 15 deadline.”
Producers who enrolled for the 2019 crop year received more than $5 billion in payments last fall. If an ARC or PLC payment triggers for a particular crop for the 2021 crop year and there is no signed 2021 contract on file, then the producer is ineligible for that program payment.
Producers are eligible to enroll farms with base acres for the following commodities: barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium- and short-grain rice, safflower seed, seed cotton, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat.
March 10, 2021
According to CDC data, which includes the latest doses administered through federal partnerships, Missouri has administered more than 1.6 million vaccine doses, and more than a fifth of Missouri's 18 and older population has received an initial vaccination.
Overall, Governor Mike Parson says the state is winning the fight against the virus.
"There is no doubt there is still more work to be done. But, we are absolutely making progress and seeing results. I assure you, that we will continue to take a balanced approach. We will fight COVID-19, and give every Missourian who wants a vaccine, the opportunity to get one."
Amid the pandemic, the economy is also rebounding.
In April 2020,
As of December 2020, the unemployment rate was 5.8% and consumer spending returned to pre-COVID levels.
On Monday at approximately 3:05PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 2100 block of
On Monday at approximately 5:37PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 200 block of Seminary in reference to an alert citizen reporting a suspicious person in the area. Responding officers located Nicholas R Atkinson, age 35 of
March 9, 2021
U.S. SENATOR ROY BLUNT ANNOUNCES HE WILL NOT RUN FOR REELECTION IN 2022
Republican Sen. Roy Blunt of
He made the surprise announcement in a video Monday.
Before election to the Senate he served seven terms in the U.S. House.
He also served two terms as
He noted in his announcement that through nearly 12,000 votes in Congress he always sought "to do my best."
Blunt is the No. 4 in Senate Republican leadership and is the fifth Senate Republican to decide against running for reelection in 2022.
COOPER COUNTY OFFICERS SEIZE $1MILLION OF METHAMPHETAMINE
A Cooper County K-9 officer helped in the seizure of nearly 76 pounds of meth, valued at roughly $1 million.
Law enforcement officers seized 75.8 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on eastbound I-70 Saturday night.
On Facebook, the Cooper County Sheriff's Office said the methamphetamine is valued at about $1 million.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol requested assistance from Cooper County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Grimm around 10:30 p.m.
After sniffing the outside of the vehicle, K-9 Grimm gave a positive alert for narcotics near the 98-mile marker on eastbound I-70.
Cooper County Sheriff Chris Class commended the law enforcement officers on Facebook, for their teamwork.
"I want to commend the trooper, deputies, and K-9 Grimm for their outstanding work in this incident. I am very proud of how everyone is working together to make our community and others safer," Class said.
A year after
The moves come as the state announced more than 1 million residents have received at least one vaccine dose.
On Monday, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page announced several restrictions would be eased, including allowing businesses to stay open to midnight and increasing the cap on public gatherings.
Gov. Mike Parson issued a statement noting his administration's efforts to fight the virus in the last year, and praising state residents for their cooperation.
March 8, 2021
CORONAVIRUS HOSPITALIZATIONS FALL BELOW 1,000 IN
COVID-19 hospitalization numbers in
The total number of COVID-19 cases to date, now stands at 480,643.
No new deaths were reported over the last 24 hours.
This brings the total number of COVID-19 deaths to 8,161, since the start of the pandemic.
State data shows there are 955 Missourians hospitalized due to COVID-19.
On Sunday at approximately 8:54 PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the intersection of Boulevard and Muldrow in reference to a crash. Responding personnel found that Devin Fernandez, age 29 of Mexico, was driving a 2010 Nissan westbound through the intersection when it collided with a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by Serena Bosworth, age 39 of Mexico. During the investigation, officers found evidence that Fernandez was impaired. He was arrested and transported to MPSD where he assaulted an officer. Fernandez was taken to the Audrain County Jail for Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device, Driving While Revoked, Driving While Intoxicated, Operating a Vehicle Without Financial Responsibility, Possession of Marijuana 10grams, and Assault 4th Degree-Special Victim.
There were no injuries from the incident.
Weekend Report- March 6-7, 2021
On Thursday, March 4 at approximately 3:24 PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1000 block of Lakeview in reference to a grass fire. Responding personnel found that a resident was burning yard waste in a barrel but went inside for a short amount of time. Burning debris from the barrel caught the resident’s yard on fire, and the fire spread into two neighboring yards before being noticed by another neighbor. The fire was extinguished but the siding on two houses was melted and an air conditioning unit was damaged. There were no injuries from the incident.
MODOT MOVES ONE STEP CLOSER TO BUILDING A NEW
Following an extensive evaluation process, four qualified teams have been selected to compete for the contract to design and construct a new
The Missouri Department of Transportation has received Statements of Qualification from potential design-build teams for the
The following teams (in no particular order) were selected to further develop their proposals on the project:
Traylor-Ames Joint Venture Team - Traylor Brothers, Inc.; Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.;
American Bridge/Garver Team - American Bridge Company; Garver, LLC; Hg Consult, Inc.; Terracon
Lunda Team - Lunda Construction Co.; Parsons Transportation Group, Inc.; Dan Brown & Associates; Hugh Zeng United
There are still opportunities for additional consultants and subcontracting firms to be added to each team. A networking opportunity for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises will be offered this spring.
Design-build projects combine both the design and construction phases into one contract. The selected team completes the design and construction in parallel instead of in succession. MoDOT provides the project goals, budget and schedule, and the contractor team conducts the work. This technique has been known to significantly save time and money. This $240 million project was made possible by the July 2019 award of an $81.2 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The project will replace the existing I-70 bridge as well as reconstruct the Route BB interchange just east of the bridge.
MoDOT will issue the request for proposal later this month. Proposals will be due in June and the design-build team is expected to be selected in July, with construction beginning as early as later this year with completion by the end of 2024.
For more information or to sign up for updates on the I-70 Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport, please visit the project webpage at: www.modot.org/RocheportBridge
March 5, 2021
MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING
A northwest
Garland Nelson's trial in April on a charge of stealing a motor vehicle is legally separate from his capital murder trial in the July 2019 deaths of Nicholas and Justin Diemel, of
Charging documents in the theft trial say Nelson coerced someone outside of the jail to retrieve a trailer.
He told the person he paid $500 for the trailer, but police say he didn't own it.
Nelson's murder trial is scheduled for March 2022.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO
Transgender student athletes would be required to compete as the sex on their birth certificate under a proposed amendment to the Missouri Constitution.
Republican sponsor Rep. Chuck Basye during a state House committee hearing on Wednesday said transgender girls have an unfair advantage.
He says allowing transgender girls to compete on girls teams would discriminate against cisgender girls.
Transgender children and parents sometimes cried as they asked lawmakers not to advance the proposal.
Several pointed to
Ameren's nuclear power plant in central
Ameren
He says the component has to be manufactured, installed and tested before the
The plant experienced three unplanned shutdowns -- also known as "scrams" -- in the last three quarters of 2020.
That, along with fewer hours of critical operation at the plant during the year, will bring more oversight of the plant from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
MISSOURI GOVERNOR VISITS ST. LOUIS VACCINATION SITE
Gov. Mike Parson has visited a "targeted vaccination site" in
The Republican governor on Thursday sounded optimistic about getting shots as soon as possible to all residents.
His visit came as critics in urban areas have complained that rural areas are getting more than their proportional share.
Parson met with residents and members of the Missouri National Guard who were giving shots at a vaccination clinic set up at Cambridge Senior Living near downtown.
Political and civic leaders in
They cite cases of people driving hundreds of miles to get shots.
March 4, 2021
COLUMBIA HOME CATCHES FIRE TUESDAY MORNING
The Columbia Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire at
The first unit arrived less than five minutes later and reported heavy fire coming from a rear window. Fire crews deployed a preconnected hose line and performed an aggressive fire attack. The fire was brought under control in approximately fifteen minutes and contained to the back of the home.
Fire investigators determined the fire originated in the kitchen and was a result of an electrical malfunction. Damage is estimated at $40,000. There were no reported injuries.
Nine units from the Columbia Fire Department responded to this call.
The Columbia Fire Department reminds residents that smoke alarms save lives. You should have one on every level of your home and outside places where people sleep. Check your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the 'test' button. Smoke alarm batteries should be changed at least once a year.
For more information about the free smoke alarm program contact the Columbia Fire Department by email at fire@como.gov or by phone at 573-874-7391 Monday through Friday, 8am - 5pm.
INVESTIGATORS SAY PILOT OF PLANE THAT CRASHED IN
National investigators say the pilot of a small plane that crashed in northern
The crash on February 8, near Galt, in
The National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report says the single-engine Cessna was covered with ice when it landed in Moberly.
The pilot asked for help to de-ice the plane, but dismissed suggestions that the men stay in Moberly until the weather improved.
KTVO learned from Federal Aviation Administration records that the aircraft was attempting to make an emergency landing in a farm field and struck a tree, causing it to crash.
Grundy County Sheriff Rodney Herring said the aircraft was traveling from Moberly to
The plane had taken off from the airport in Downtown St. Louis prior to flying to Moberly.
The two men's bodies were found in the plane.
The report did not indicate which of the men was the pilot.
UNIONVILLE MAN ARRESTED TUESDAY AMONG EIGHT CHARGED IN METH DISTRIBUTION CONSPIRACY
A northeast
Federal court documents indicate it’s all part of a $4.1 million methamphetamine distribution conspiracy carried out between early 2017 and February 2021.
The raid happened early Tuesday morning at
Laws was taken into custody by federal agents.
Neighbors in the area told KTVO they heard what sounded like a flash bang before the officers entered the house.
Multiple law enforcement agencies helped with the raid.
According to court papers, Laws is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to commit money laundering and possession of firearms and ammunition by a drug user.
Laws is one of eight people charged in this case.
The other suspects are: Tina Marie Bailey, 36, of
March 3, 2021
BODIES OF
The bodies of a man and his two young sons who were reported missing last week have been found inside a rural west-central
The Greene County Sheriff's Office says in a news release that the bodies of 40-year-old
Investigators have not said how the three died, but noted Peak was last seen Thursday afternoon driving from his home in
Family members reported the three missing Friday morning.
PENDING BILL WOULD EXEMPT MISSOURIANS FROM REPAYING OVERPAID UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
A pending bill would exempt thousands of Missourians from repaying federal unemployment benefit overpayments.
At issue are mistakes by
The agency doled out roughly $146 million to 46,000 people who didn't qualify.
Gov. Mike Parson and his administration now are trying to get that money back from Missourians.
The proposed
But Missourians who mistakenly received unemployment help would still have to pay back money that the state chipped in.
FORMER MISSOURI GOVERNOR NOT RULING OUT POLITICAL RETURN
Former Missouri Governor Eric Greitens is eyeing a potential political comeback.
Greitens resigned as governor in 2018, after months of fighting allegations of sexual and political misconduct.
According to the Associated Press, the Republican who campaigned as a political outsider served less than a year-and-a-half in office.
He was facing possible impeachment in the Missouri House and a felony charge in
In a recent interview with a
Blunt's seat is up in 2022, and Greitens criticized the incumbent for failing to adequately back former President Donald Trump.
In the interview, Greitens said he is sill a person that would fight for
He adds he is keeping the door open, and "taking a look at" a possible senate run.
March 2, 2021
MISSOURI GOVERNOR FREES UP $281 MILLION FROM BUDGET CUTS
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has freed $281 million that he previously blocked from being spent.
The Republican on Monday said state finances have improved since the coronavirus first hit the state, allowing him to release the money.
Parson initially cut $438 million from the state budget over concerns that the virus would tank the economy and mean less state revenue for the year.
He's been releasing chunks of that funding as the economy has improved.
The $281 million Parson released Monday was the last of his remaining spending restrictions.
It includes $123 million for K-12 public schools.
Columbia Police responded to a report of a person who had been struck by a vehicle in the area of
This is an ongoing investigation. More information may become available at a later time.
If you know something, say something. Columbia Police are asking for your help. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652.
March 1, 2021
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN JEFFERSON
A man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at around 9:30pm Sunday in
GOVERNOR PARSON ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF REMAINING FY21 RESTRICTIONS, OVER $280 MILLION IN GENERAL REVENUE
On Monday Governor Mike Parson announced the release of the remaining $280,783,940 in FY21 general revenue restrictions.
“Thanks to our balanced approach to COVID-19,
Due to the financial impact of COVID-19, the state previously restricted approximately $438 million in FY21 spending to ensure a balanced budget and the necessary funds to combat the virus moving forward. At the time these budget decisions were made,
However, with a current unemployment rate of 5.8 percent,
The state’s monthly general revenue report released earlier this month showed that net general revenue collections for January 2021 increased 18.3 percent compared to January 2020, increasing from $860.7 million last year to $1.02 billion this year.
Due to
Weekend Report- February 27-28, 2021
WOMAN HURT IN
A woman was hurt in an accident that occurred at 9:10am Sunday in
MAN INJURED IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
A
February 26, 2021
MISSOURI GOVERNOR SAYS THE STATE IS MAKING GOOD PROGRESS ON COVID-19
Missouri Governor Mike Parson had good news for Missourians during his COVID-19 update Thursday.
Parson said
Positivity rates and hospitalizations continue to decline in the state.
The 7-day positivity rate in
According to the CDC,
The Show-Me State plans to activate Plan 1A Tier B on Monday, March the 15th allowing approximately 500,050 more Missourians to become eligible to receive the vaccine.
The next phase will focus on the workers who are depended on to keep our day-to-day lives operating normally including K-12 teachers, child care providers, grocery store employees, energy, food, agriculture and other critical infrastructure workers.
This will allow Missourians, businesses, healthcare systems, pharmacies and local healthcare agencies to start planning to vaccinate the next group of Missourians.
A full list of tier 3 categories is now available on their website www.mostopscovid.com.
The use of eminent domain for a large wind-energy power line cutting through
The Missouri House voted 123-33 Thursday in favor of the bill.
The measure would prevent the use of property owners' land for the Grain Belt Express power line without their permission.
The high-voltage power line would carry wind energy from
The Republican-led Missouri House has passed another bill to require voter photo identification at the polls.
Lawmakers voted 109-46 in favor of the legislation.
The bill is aimed at addressing a Missouri Supreme Court ruling last year that permanently blocked a central provision of a 2016 voter ID law.
That law required voters without a photo ID to make a sworn statement to cast a regular ballot.
The new bill would give voters two options: either show a photo ID to cast a regular ballot or cast a provisional ballot.
On Monday, February 22 at approximately 1:25 PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1700 block of W Boulevard in reference to a car fire. Responding personnel found that a vehicle was being towed after having mechanical issues, when the tow operator noticed a small fire in the engine compartment. The fire was extinguished in that area with nothing beyond the engine compartment having damage. There were no injuries from the incident.
On Monday, February 22 at approximately 1:20 PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the US Highway 54 bypass approximately 1 mile south of
On Monday, February 22 at approximately 9:33 AM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 900 block of
Residents are reminded that a leading cause of house fires is unattended cooking. Residents are also reminded not to attempt to extinguish grease fires with water or move a burning pan. Grease fires should be smothered by placing a lid over the fire, using a fire extinguisher, or using baking soda, but only if the fire is small enough where that can be done safely.
February 25, 2021
MISSOURI SENATE PASSES BILL LIMITING COVID-19 LAWSUITS
The GOP-led Senate voted 20-13 in favor of the bill.
The measure now goes to the House for consideration.
Republican Gov. Mike Parson has been pushing lawmakers to pass legislation protecting businesses from lawsuits related to COVID-19.
Supporters say businesses shouldn't be punished for trying to help during the pandemic.
But critics say the measure primarily helps big businesses and would limit people's access to the courts.
MISSOURI SENATE PASSES BILL CRACKING DOWN ON PROTESTERS BLOCKING TRAFFIC
Senators on Tuesday gave the measure initial approval.
The measure follows protests last summer in the
Republican critics have argued the protest method might block ambulances and puts demonstrators at risk of being hit.
Blocking traffic without permission would first be punished as an infraction under the bill.
A third offense would be a felony.
Violators would face up to four years in prison.
Columbia Police have detained two subjects involved in a vehicle collision that occurred Tuesday in the 2700 block of
At approximately 8:54 a.m. on Feb. 23, Columbia Police responded to a report of a domestic assault that occurred in the parking lot of the Columbia Mall,
Through reports of witness accounts, officers learned that the suspect vehicle was a navy blue four-door Cadillac sedan with an adult male and female occupant.
At approximately 1:46 p.m., officers were dispatched to a trespassing at Break Time,
Officers located the suspect vehicle near the 500 block of
Officers located the suspect vehicle traveling north on
At this time, both subjects have been transported to a local emergency room for further evaluation. One subject is known to have an outstanding warrant. No additional charges have been made at this time.
This is an ongoing investigation. More information may become available later.
If you know something, say something. Columbia Police are asking for your help. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
February 24, 2021
New COVID-19 cases are on the decline in
The state's current positivity rate is 6.4%, down from a high of 24.4% in November.
Governor Mike Parson says the spread is slowing in the state thanks to citizens practicing preventative measures such as wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing.
He says this, combined with the vaccine, is how the state will win the battle against COVID-19.
Parson adds as supply of the vaccine increases, more and more Missourians will have a chance to receive the shot.once supply is consistent.
Recently, 102
Lawmakers in a voice vote Tuesday advanced a bill to prevent the use of property owners' land for the Grain Belt Express power line without their permission.
The high-voltage power line would carry wind energy from
The eminent domain ban wouldn't apply to lines with substations every 50 miles.
That's designed to encourage companies to give
AUTHORITIES IDENTIFY MAN FATALLY SHOT BY LIVINGSTON
Authorities say Timothy Frandson, of Marceline, was shot Friday.
The sheriff's office said the shooting occurred when the deputy responded to an accident on Highway 36 near
When they were inside the patrol car, Frandson reportedly began hitting the deputy with a microphone.
The deputy shot Frandson at least once. He died at the scene.
The deputy was treated for moderate injuries and released from the hospital.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol was investigating the shooting.
February 23, 2021
MAN KILLED IN EARLY TUESDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A
GOVERNOR PARSON ANNOUNCES IMPROVED HOME HEATING BILL ASSISTANCE THROUGH LIHEAP ENERGY CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAM
Last Week Governor Parson announced that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Energy Crisis Intervention Program will improve assistance offered to eligible low-income Missourians.
When a household’s energy source has been shut off or is at risk of disconnection, the winter Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), which runs November through May, pays the minimum amount needed on the fuel bill to get the household out of crisis. Starting this winter, ECIP will pledge the maximum disconnect amount (up to $800) toward an eligible participant’s owed balance.
In FY2020,
It is very important for low-income Missourians who have received a disconnect notice or know a disconnect notice is coming to get help now to prevent service disconnection at a later date. Missourians can submit the LIHEAP application form online.
Missourians in need of information on LIHEAP, Food Stamp, Medicaid, Child Care Subsidy, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefit programs can visit dss.mo.gov. Individuals can also apply for these services 24/7 online by visiting MyDSS.mo.gov.
Missourians with questions not specific to an individual’s case can use the DSS Virtual Assistant for immediate answers to basic questions 24 hours a day. Phone assistance is also available, call 855-FSD-INFO or 855-373-4636 Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
February 22, 2021
A
Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Shelton said in an email that Cameron White was sentenced Friday after agreeing to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the October 2019 death of Dajion Harris.
White, who was 19 at the time of the shooting, was previously charged with second-degree murder.
The probable cause statement says White told a woman that Harris asked White to shoot him as they were getting high and playing with guns in
SUSPECT DEAD, LIVINGSTON
A suspect is dead and a western
The sheriff's department says a one-vehicle accident was reported on U.S. 36 and an arriving deputy found the vehicle unoccupied but noticed foot tracks in the snow.
A press release said the deputy then spotted a man coming toward him making comments that raised fears that the man had mental health problems.
The deputy and the man were speaking inside the deputy's vehicle when the man allegedly began attacking him.
The deputy fatally shot the suspect.
BRUTAL FEBRUARY WEATHER LEADS TO EARLY POTHOLE SEASON
Missouri Department of Transportation crews are focusing on pothole repair through April. When you see a MoDOT crew making repairs, motorists should slow down and move over a lane to give them room to work. Crews started working to address the pesky potholes as soon as there was a break in the weather last week. MoDOT will have about 300 pothole patching crews statewide working to make roadways safer. In 2020, MoDOT patched approximately 760,000 potholes spending $18 million on pothole patching.
“While following COVID-19 social distancing procedures, MoDOT is working as hard as we can to fill the potholes quickly,” said Natalie Roark, MoDOT state maintenance director. “Brutally cold temperatures coupled with ice and snow throughout February have led to a high number of potholes blossoming on
MoDOT maintains 34,000 miles of road including interstates,
Potholes form when temperatures warm up during the day but continue to be cold at night. The rain and snow from winter leave moisture that seeps into cracks and joints in the pavement. Frozen water in cracks and under the surface of the roadway causes the pavement to bulge and bend. Then when ice melts, the pavement contracts and leaves gaps or voids in the surface under the pavement. When cars and trucks drive over the bulging pavement, it weakens the roadway eventually causing chunks of pavement or asphalt to pop out, creating potholes.
Short-term repairs are made using a cold asphalt mix with a priority to fill the deepest potholes first. The long-term fix, a hot asphalt mix, isn’t effective until temperatures remain warm for a prolonged period.
Weekend Report- February 20-21, 2021
TWO INJURED IN SATURDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT
Two people from
MAN HURT IN
A Winfield man was hurt in a two-vehicle wreck Saturday afternoon in
DRIVERS INJURED IN FRIDAY AFTERNOON CRASH
Two drivers were injured in a Friday afternoon crash in
February 19, 2021
ORSCHELN FARM AND HOME ANNOUNCES MERGER WITH TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY.
According to a news release, Tractor Supply Company and Orscheln Farm and Home have agreed to merge. The release states that Orscheln Farm and Home Board Chairman William Orscheln announced the merger to employees Wednesday. Orscheln says he believes Tractor Supply Company is a good fit for the Moberly based company. Tractor Supply Company is the largest rural lifestyle retail chain in the
Preliminary reporting for 2020 indicates
“Nearly every fatal crash that occurs is preventable,” said Missouri State Highway Patrol Public Information and Education Director, Cpt. John Hotz. “Over 90% of these crashes were the result of someone simply making a poor decision, primarily: driving too fast, driving distracted or driving impaired. Many of those killed were not wearing a seat belt."
Despite traffic volumes in the state being significantly down for much of the year, –the largest number of pedestrian fatalities in
“The pandemic reminded us even if a large portion of vehicles are removed from the roadways, poor driving behaviors still have significant and often deadly consequences.” said MoDOT State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Nicole Hood. “We continue to work diligently in achieving the ultimate goal – zero traffic fatalities in
“So, how can you help? Ultimately, our success will be dependent upon everyone’s willingness to take personal responsibility for safely using the transportation system and demanding others do the same,” Hood said.
February 18, 2021
RURAL COUNTIES ARE BOTH THE MOST AND LEAST EFFECTIVE AT DELIVERING THE COVID-19 VACCINE IN
Rural
That's according to data from the state's coronavirus dashboard on Wednesday.
Among the top 15 counties for vaccinations, only
Many of the lower ranked counties by percent vaccinated are in rural portions of far southern
MORE DETAILS ARISE ABOUT MISSING
KTVO has now learned more details about the case of a missing
Major Tony Kirkendoll with the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office said the body of Dorothy Parker, 84, of
The area is approximately 65 miles northeast of Parker's home in
Kirkendoll told KTVO a farm worker stumbled across Parker's car parked at the end of a rural county road. No one was in the vehicle. The man then searched around the area and found Parker's body on the ground a short distance away.
Investigators said it appeared the body had been there a while because it was covered in snow.
Kirkendoll said no foul play is suspected, and he doesn't believe an autopsy will be performed.
He said Parker did not have any known ties to the area where her body was discovered.
Caldwell County Coroner Dana Brown would not comment on the cause or manner of death.
Parker, who suffered from dementia, drove away from her home last Friday morning and had not been seen or heard from since.
A woman from
Natasha McBride appeared briefly in front of Judge Robert Adrian with her court appointed attorney Todd Nelson, according to court documents.
Judge Adrian scheduled the next status hearing for March 10 at 9:15 a.m.
McBride was traveling westbound on Broadway when she crashed into a vehicle traveling northbound on
According to a witness statement, the driver was driving at a high rate of speed and ran the red light over her on 4th, collided with another car and resulted in a chain of other accidents," QPD Lieutenant Jeff Nevin said at the time of last year's accident.
McBride faces four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Jennifer Hendricks, 54, Rushville, and her three grandchildren 6-year-old Dakota Corrick, 4-year-old Archer Corrick and 1-year-old Ransom Corrick. The boys lived in
In addition to murder, McBride is facing a number of other charges as well.
McBride, 37, is in the Adams County Jail on a $5,000,000 bond.
February 17, 2021
Another round of wintry weather will move into the state overnight, bringing accumulating snow to roads that are expected to refreeze in bitterly cold temperatures. Snow is expected to move into the state in the early morning hours and continue throughout the day Wednesday. Snow totals of from 1 to 2 inches are forecast for the I-70 corridor with up to 5 inches possible along the I-44 corridor and the southern part of the state.
The Missouri Department of Transportation warns drivers to use caution on the Wednesday morning commute. If possible, stay off the roads until the snow has stopped falling.
Chemicals used to treat the roads lose their effectiveness in the bitterly cold temperatures that are expected to remain through Wednesday. Any thawing that occurs during daylight hours will likely refreeze overnight causing patches of black ice and slippery road conditions, particularly on elevated surfaces like bridges and overpasses. Please watch out for snowplows and give them plenty of room to work.
Additionally, rolling blackouts through western portions of the state will render traffic signals inoperative. Remember, when a traffic light is not functioning, the intersection is to be treated as a four-way stop with drivers alternating crossing.
Check all current
MISSING
An elderly
A Tuesday afternoon update from the Missouri State Highway Patrol provided no further details about where Dorothy Parker, 84, of
Parker, who suffered from dementia, drove away from her home last Friday morning and had not been seen or heard from since.
KTVO is awaiting a call back from the Gladstone Police Department and Caldwell County Sheriff's Office. We will pass along any further details we receive about Parker’s death.
Tips from the
Those tips were about social media profiles suspected of sending child pornography.
Based on the tips, a detective from the Kirksville Police Department's Kirksville Regional Computer Crimes Unit has spent the past few months investigating, and he linked the social media profiles to Billy Schrepfer, 38, of
The suspect is now charged with attempted enticement of a child. Schrepfer is being held without bond in the
Investigators said that on February 8, 2021, a detective used an undercover social media profile where he claimed to be a 12-year-old girl to contact Schrepfer.
They said within 90 minutes of the undercover persona identifying herself as a 12-year-old, Schrepfer turned the conversation to “sex.”
Police said on February 11, 2021, Schrepfer arranged to meet who he believed was the girl at her home in
When he arrived in the 1000 block of
February 16, 2021
State health officials say just over 10% of the state's residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Health department data on Monday shows 873,675 vaccine doses were distributed, with 239,293 people receiving both doses.
Gov. Mike Parson on Sunday announced more mass vaccination sites for the week but residents were urged to call ahead to ensure the events were not postponed because of frigid weather and snow that has settled over the state.
On Monday,
The Missouri Department of Conservation sends the nonprofit Conservation Federation of Missouri a state grant annually for its Share the Harvest program, which allows deer hunters to donate venison to poor people.
But the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that this year, the conservation department left $300,000 budgeted for the program on the table after lawmakers required the money to be spent on processing feral hog meat in addition to deer meat.
ENDANGERED SILVER ADVISORY ISSUED FOR
An elderly woman from the
The Gladstone Police Department has issued an Endangered Silver Advisory for Dorothy Parker, 84, of
She was last heard from her
Law enforcement officials believe she is driving a maroon 2013 Honda Accord with personalize
Anyone seeing the missing person or vehicle, or anyone having any information related to the endangered missing person should immediately dial 911 or call the Gladstone Police Department at 816-436-3550.
February 15, 2021
CITY SENDS OUT ALERT CONCERNING NATURAL GAS PRICES
Notice to the City of
"To all natural gas users. We are getting bad warnings from our natural gas supplier that the supply system in the
As of 10:30 a.m. February 13, 2021 we have received three bad warnings already, we have never received one in the past.
Please remember that we bill a month behind for utility services. Example: the bill that will be mailed out next week will be for January usage. You will not receive February usage until March.
ST. LOUIS
Authorities say a St. Louis-area psychiatrist and his son were killed when their plane crashed last week in northern
The crash killed Philip Joseph LeFevre III, 82, of
The younger LeFevre was the president and CEO of Lending Partners.
Their single-engine Cessna went down Monday in
KTVO learned from Federal Aviation Administration records that the aircraft was attempting to make an emergency landing in a farm field and struck a tree, causing it to crash. Sheriff Rodney Herring said the aircraft was traveling from Moberly to
The two men's bodies were found in the plane.
A
The Hannibal Police Department officers responded to the call in the 200 block of
A female said that a male identified as James Paul Holman, 44, of
Police say Holman got into an altercation with a female, left, shot the tire of a vehicle parked at the residence and backed into the same vehicle as he fled the scene.
Luckily, no injuries were reported.
Holman was arrested at 10:14 a.m. Friday near Munger and Colfax streets.
Police say a handgun was recovered during the arrest.
He's charged with Burglary, Domestic Assault, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Receiving Stolen Property.
He remains in the Marion County Jail with bond set at $100,000.
Weekend Report- February 13-14, 2021
MODOT: GET WHERE YOU’RE GOING AHEAD OF INCOMING SNOWFALL, STAY PUT
Accumulating snowfall will affect driving conditions for most of the state in the coming days. The Missouri Department of Transportation urges drivers to get wherever they need to be ahead of the storm and avoid traveling during these coming waves of snowfall Sunday and Monday.
According to the National Weather Service, many areas of the state could see anywhere from 2-6 inches of snow, with the highest amounts expected along and south of I-70, starting Sunday morning. Some areas may see a lull in snowfall Sunday afternoon, but a second wave in the evening will bring steady snow, likely lasting through Monday. Monday morning and evening commutes will be impacted. Drivers who must travel in these conditions should plan ahead and allow extra time to take it slow, and remember to also:
This snowfall will again be accompanied by dangerously cold temperatures. If you must travel during the storm, make sure to have a full tank of gas, extra blankets and gloves, and provisions like water and snacks in the event of an emergency. Keep your cellphone charged, but do not use it while driving. In the event of a crash, stay buckled inside your vehicle until help arrives.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN OSAGE
A Linn man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 5:35am Saturday in
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRIDAY NIGHT WRECK
A driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Friday night in
February 12, 2021
MISSOURI GOVERNOR APPROVES $324 MILLION RENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has approved $324 million to help renters and landlords struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.
Parson signed the funding bill into law on Thursday.
The money comes from a federal program that Congress passed in December.
Both landlords and renters can apply for aid under the program.
Renters can use the money to pay past due rent or to help pay rent for up to a year.
It also covers utility costs like gas, water and electricity.
State lawmakers are considering several bills to allow Missourians to keep unemployment benefits they were not entitled to.
The House Special Committee on Government Oversight heard seven separate proposals Wednesday to forgive payments to people who were not intentionally committing fraud.
Gov. Mike Parson has said people should return the money.
Most of the bills considered Wednesday focused on federal unemployment benefits.
Only about 20-25% of the overpayments in
Committee Chairman Rep. Jered Taylor said the committee will likely combine most of the proposals into one bill and vote on it early next week.
On Thursday at approximately 1:59AM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 500 block of
The residents reported hearing the furnace shut off and the circuit breaker for the furnace to trip. When they went to check the circuit panel, they saw smoke coming from behind the wall. There were no injuries from the incident.
February 11, 2021
NEMO PLANE CRASH OCCURRED AFTER ATTEMPTED EMERGENCY LANDING ACCORDING TO FAA
Our friends at KTVO have learned exclusive new details regarding this week's plane crash in northern
The single-engine Cessna crashed late Monday night in a remote area about a mile southeast of
On Wednesday afternoon, we learned the names of the father and son who died in the crash.
Grundy County Coroner Dewayne Slater said the victims are Philip Joseph Lefevre Sr., 82, of
Slater said he recovered their bodies from the crash site on Tuesday afternoon.
We are told federal investigators were on the scene on Wednesday.
Preliminary information from the Federal Aviation Administration states the aircraft attempted an emergency landing in a field and struck a tree on its way down.
Sullivan County Sheriff Roger Smiley told KTVO the plane was on its way from
It had landed in Moberly prior to getting 45 miles off track and crashing in eastern
Smiley said his office was contacted by the U.S. Air Force in
The aircraft crashed in timber a short time later, approximately five miles southwest of Humphreys.
A state trooper said there was freezing drizzle in that area at the time the plane went down.
Multiple law enforcement agencies, fire departments and first responders spent much of the day Tuesday searching for the downed aircraft.
At approximately 9:08 a.m. on Feb. 10, Columbia Police responded to a report of shots fired near La Quinta Inn, 2500 I-70 Dr. SW.
Through reports from Boone County Joint Communications, officers learned that shots had been fired from a vehicle in the area of
Upon arrival, officers canvassed the area and located an adult male victim, property damage to a vehicle and several shell casings.
The victim reported that there was a male suspect who was unknown to him. The victim described the suspect as a Black male. At this time, there is no vehicle description.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
This is an ongoing investigation. More information may become available at a later time. If you know something, say something. Columbia Police are asking for your help. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
February 10, 2021
Missouri House Republicans have kicked a state lawmaker indicted on federal fraud charges out of their caucus.
Members on Monday voted Rep. Tricia Derges out of the caucus.
GOP House leaders are calling on her to resign.
A federal grand jury indicted Derges on fraud charges for falsely claiming a treatment she sold contained stem cells that could help with COVID-19 and other illnesses.
Derges has refused to resign. Last week she told the House speaker that her innocence will prevail.
The speaker took away all her committee assignments last week.
A SMALL PLANE REPORTED MISSING MONDAY NIGHT FOUND IN
A small plane missing overnight in northern
A search was focused overnight and into Tuesday near Humphreys,
Law enforcement on the scene in
Authorities worked through the night to locate the plane and believed it may have gone down northwest of Humphreys.
Authorities say the plane is a single-engine craft they believe departed from
It possibly could have been headed for
Officials at
Midday Tuesday, it appeared skid marks were seen in the snow in an area off
Authorities say the plane is white with red stripes.
Another promising bit of video showed a flash of red that was found to be a deer stand.
Around 2 p.m. Tuesday, authorities were awaiting the arrival from
February 9, 2021
STATE LAUNCHES
On Monday Governor Mike Parson announced the launch of the Missouri Vaccine Navigator, a secure registry tool to assist Missourians in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
“Although vaccine supply nationwide is still quite limited, this registration process will help connect Missourians with more avenues to receive a vaccine,” Governor Parson said. “This will not only provide support for
Powered by Qualtrics, the Missouri Vaccine Navigator allows individuals to register for a vaccine, indicating their desire to be vaccinated. They will then complete a questionnaire to determine their eligibility based on
Registrants will be notified upon activation of each phase and alerted when they become eligible. Individuals will then be able to seek vaccination from their health care provider if they have vaccines available or view mass vaccination events and other providers in their area.
In addition to helping individuals register for a vaccine, the Missouri Vaccine Navigator will remind registrants when it is time to schedule their second dose. Both vaccines currently authorized for use require two doses, and the second dose is critical to ensure individual and community protection.
The Missouri Vaccine Navigator will also integrate with ShowMeVax, the state’s immunization database for providers. Vaccination events using the Missouri Vaccine Navigator for scheduling will enable coordinators to quickly load vaccination administration data into the system and avoid cumbersome data entry.
When individuals visit MOStopsCovid.com/navigator, they will answer questions regarding their personal health information so that the applicable priority group can be determined.
Those with online accessibility issues are encouraged to call the COVID-19 hotline at 877-435-8411 for registration assistance. Language translation and other services are available to callers.
AMEREN
In the past couple of months, Ameren
One of those is the High Prairie Wind Farm in northeast
As Ameren continues towards its goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the company says it is keeping customers in mind.
“Too often, underserved and vulnerable communities are hardest hit by the world’s challenges,” said Ameren Vice President of Sustainability and Electrification Gwen Mizell. “I’m proud that this plan keeps inclusion in mind, so that all customers, regardless of where they live or their household income, have access to clean, reliable and affordable energy without compromising reliability.”
Ameren customers may also get involved with using renewable energy through its Community Solar and Neighborhood Solar programs.
February 8, 2021
Contagious Virus Variant Reported in
From KTVO.com. State health officials said Saturday that the first case in the state of a highly contagious variant of the coronavirus has been recorded in northeast
Envoy Air Inc. expands aircraft maintenance operations in Springfield
Aviation industry leader Envoy Air Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, has announced plans to expand its aircraft maintenance operations in
The installation, which will be owned by the airport and leased to Envoy, will allow Envoy to service more modern Embraer E-175 aircraft that hold 76 passengers. It will have space to house three aircraft inside, with additional room for more aircraft outside, dedicated areas for parts storage, training, employee parking and administration. While this expansion project has been in development for more than a year, current circumstances have only increased the need for these particular aircraft.
Weekend Report- February 6-7, 2021
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A Stover man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at around 2:25am Sunday in
DRIVER INJURED IN COLE
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February 4, 2021
The GOP-led House on Wednesday voted to give the bill initial approval.
A previous version of the bill would have disqualified law enforcement officers from serving as state police if they violated the policy.
House lawmakers toned down penalties in the bill Wednesday. But it still would subject police departments that employ officers who take away guns based on federal laws would to lawsuits and $50,000 fines.
The bill has gotten pushback from some law enforcement in the state.
A
The court ruling announced Tuesday involved a conflict between a university rule about weapons and a state law covering state employees.
The case began in 2015 when Royce Barondes, a professor of law on the
Boone County Circuit Court Judge Jeff Harris ruled in November 2019 that the university rule prohibiting guns on campus did not conflict with state law.
The appeals court reversed that ruling.
DRINKING OR DRIVING: PLAN AHEAD FOR SUPER BOWL WEEKEND
For the second consecutive year,
On Super Bowl Sunday, February 7, there will be a lot of game day socializing that may include drinking. That’s why the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is urging football fans to call the play now: drinking OR driving. If you plan on drinking on Super Bowl Sunday, designate a sober driver to get you home safely.
During the 2020 Super Bowl weekend (Friday night at 6:00 pm until 11:59 Super Bowl Sunday, there were 35 major crashes which resulted in 11 fatalities and 40 serious injuries.
The coalition offers these useful tips for Super Bowl game night:
Make this year’s bowl party SUPER. Whether you have had just a few, or are way over the limit, impaired driving is not worth causing a traffic crash, serious injury or even death.
February 3, 2021
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN
A Hermann woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 2:35pm Tuesday in
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
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DRIVERS HURT IN BOONE
Two drivers were hurt in a Tuesday afternoon crash in
February 2, 2021
MISSOURI GOVERNOR SAYS LAWMAKERS DISRESPECTED HIM WITH ADDRESS VENUE CHANGE
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson says lawmakers disrespected him when House leaders told him he couldn't give his State of the State address in that chamber because of coronavirus concerns.
The Republican wrote a letter Friday accusing GOP lawmakers of a "disgusting scheme" to embarrass him.
The governor traditionally delivers an annual speech to lawmakers in the House.
Parson says the House told him he couldn't use that chamber hours before he was set to speak Wednesday.
Republican legislative leaders said they switched venues for better social distancing.
The top Senate Democrat questioned why Parson gave an in-person speech at all.
TWO FIRES CAUSE DAMAGE IN
The Columbia Fire Department responded to two structure fires five minutes apart overnight on Monday, February 1, 2021.
At 2:18am the Columbia Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire at
Fire investigators determined the origin of the fire was a closet in the second story bedroom. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Damage is estimated at $50,000.
There were no reported injuries. The Red Cross was notified and is assisting the occupants. Seven units from the Columbia Fire Department responded to this call.
At 2:23am the Columbia Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire at
Fire investigators determined the origin of the fire was the kitchen in apartment B. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Damage is estimated at $112,000.
Two occupants of apartment B were transported to the hospital for evaluation of non-life threatening injuries. There were no other reported injuries. The Red Cross was notified and has offered assistance to the occupants.
Six units from the Columbia Fire Department responded to this call.
February 1, 2021
About 1,800 people received the coronavirus vaccine Saturday on the third day in a row of large vaccination events in
Altogether, roughly 4,500 people were vaccinated at events in the city on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Several counties in the
The state held nine mass vaccination clinics staffed by the Missouri National Guard Friday as part of an effort to innoculate roughly 18,000 people.
Columbia Police responded to a report of shots fired Friday, Jan. 29 at approximately 1:10 a.m., in the 200 block of
Officers arrived and located one victim, a 16-year-old male, who had been shot. Officers immediately began rendering first aid to the victim until
Officers canvassed the area searching for evidence and attempting to locate any witnesses.
There were no further injuries reported.
Information gathered indicated a white male wearing dark clothing was involved. Officers located a subject matching that description. The subject was detained for further investigation.
There is no additional suspect information to provide at this time.
This is an ongoing investigation by the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID). More information may become available at a later time.
If you know something, say something. Columbia Police are asking for your help. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
Weekend Report- January 30-31, 2021
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN
A woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 3pm Friday in
PEDESTRIAN KILLED AFTER BEING STRUCK BY CAR FRIDAY NIGHT
A pedestrian was struck and killed by a car Friday night in
WOMAN HURT IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING CRASH
A Union woman was hurt in an early Sunday morning crash in
January 29, 2021
On Wednesday, Missouri Governor Mike Parson gave the 2021 State of the State address.
The address covered a variety of topics, including COVID-19.
Throughout his address, Parson indicated that it is in the state's nature to overcome obstacles like COVID-19.
"Missouri has seen some difficult days in the past 200 years, from the Civil War, The Great Depression, Women Suffrage, Civil Rights to the COVID-19 crisis and countless other hardships, but through it all Missouri has prevailed," Parson said.
Parson also discussed how he believed
He cites his administration's willingness to be on the grounds in
Parson also discussed the strives the state has made with testing and how his cabinet came together to make sure Missourians got the help they needed.
"We have worked nonstop to take a balanced approach to fight the virus and keep Missourians as safe as possible," Parson said. "We pulled together, our entire cabinet and every state agency to coordinate our statewide response. We convened weekly calls for ten straight months with community leaders and medical experts.
Parson talked about his administration's guidance on dispersing $520 million in CARES Act funds to local jurisdictions within 10 days.
He also spoke about the state's partnership with Google and how it helped distribute PPE across the state.
Parson is proud of how
TWO SEPARATE ACCIDENTS CAUSE INJURY IN NEARLY THE SAME SPOT JUST OVER AN HOUR APART
Two accidents occurred within an hour and a half of each other in nearly the same spot in Callaway County Wednesday morning.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the first crash happened around 8:40 Wednesday morning on Southbound U.S. Highway 63 just south of the
Just over an hour later, around 9:54 a.m., a vehicle driven by 40 year old Nicole Johnson of
January 28, 2021
MISSOURI GOVERNOR LOOKS TO TAKE UNUSED COVID-19 VACCINE DOSES BACK FROM PHARMACIES
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is seeking to take unused doses of the coronavirus vaccine back from pharmacies so they can be distributed to mass vaccination sites operated by the National Guard in an effort to speed up the sluggish pace of immunizations.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Parson spokeswoman Kelli Jones said Tuesday night that the administration is looking at diverting 25,000 doses from CVS and Walgreens.
Jones said: "We asked for 25,000 back already and are asking for more."
Jones stressed that the maneuver won't keep pharmacies from finishing their work providing vaccinations at nursing homes, which have been particularly hard hit by the spread of COVID-19.
A Missouri state employees' pension official has testified that a private equity firm being sued for allegedly mishandling retirement investments has hired a lobbyist who tried to influence legislators and put pressure on the pension. The private equity firm Catalyst Capital Group hired a lobbyist after the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System filed its lawsuit in October.
Pension system executive director Ronda Stegmann testified in a court hearing last week that a lobbyist then tried to set up a meeting with her, two legislators and Catalyst executives.
The Kansas City Star reported parties involved in litigation typically do not speak with one another outside of court proceedings, except through their attorneys.
January 27, 2021
A traffic stop ends with a massive drug bust, after a Callaway County Sheriff's Office K9 helped confiscate 10 pounds of methamphetamine.
The Callaway County Sheriff's Office said K9 Krieger assisted the Missouri State Highway Patrol with an investigation on I-70, east of
Krieger sniffed out 10 pounds of methamphetamine, with a street value of $453,000.
Amber Collins, 27, and Jonathan Mackey, 31, both of Lexington, Kentucky were arrested for trafficking drugs, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports.
Both Mackey and Collins are being held at the Callaway County Jail, without bond.
UPDATE ON FATAL NEMO ACCIDENT
A young
It happened just before 2 p.m. on an ice-covered Highway 6, approximately a mile east of
State troopers said an SUV driven by Carlos Varelas, 31, of Milan, slid sideways on the slick roadway and entered the opposite lane of traffic.
The SUV then collided broadside with an oncoming commercial van driven by Daniel Dile, 47, of
Both people who were killed were passengers in the SUV. The impact literally ripped the SUV into two pieces.
The deceased are identified as a 12-year-old girl from
Varelas suffered moderate injuries.
He was taken by ambulance to the hospital for treatment.
January 26, 2021
NO CHARGES AGAINST
No charges will be filed against the
Cole County Prosecutor Locke Thompson announced Monday that no charges would be filed against the
Reising was fatally shot on January 3, 2021, after officers responded to the
Upon arriving at the scene, a news release said officers contacted Reising, who was "extremely agitated and holding a knife while standing near his vehicle." Locke said that while officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, Reising "gripped the knife in an overhand position and charged at officers with the knife held over his head."
Officers fired at Reising and then immediately began attempting life-saving measures until an ambulance arrived, the news release said. Reising was later pronounced dead at St. Mary’s Hospital.
When authorities searched Reising's vehicle, the release said they found evidence of methamphetamine and alcohol use.
Pursuant to JCPD policy, the shooting was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control.
After a review of the investigative file, the Cole County Prosecutor’s Office said it determined that the officers involved acted appropriately in self-defense and in defense of others; therefore, no criminal charges will be filed.
Information released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday shows that 242,937 Missourians have received the first shot, or 3,958 people per 100,000 residents.
Missouri House Democrats have kicked out a member of their caucus.
House Minority Leader Crystal Quade said Democrats on Sunday voted out Rep. Wiley Price.
Price was accused of having sex with an intern, which he has denied.
A House Ethics investigation found he threatened a staffer after she reported the allegation.
The Ethics Committee also says he lied while under investigation.
The House for the first time in history censured Price earlier this month.
An effort to kick him out of the House entirely failed after some Republicans and all but one Democrat voted against it.
January 25, 2021
HEALTH EXPERTS SAY
Health experts say
To reach that goal, officials want to inoculate between 70% and 85% of the state's residents. That means getting between 4.3 million and 5.2 million people immunized.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that just 205,000 Missourians have received the first dose of vaccine.
BJC HealthCare's Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Clay Dunagan estimates that vaccinating 5 million residents by the end of June would require 25,000 to 30,000 vaccinations per day.
Over the past week,
The Missouri Legislature is planning to open a rapid testing clinic for potential COVID-19 cases in the Capitol building, after the session began with an outbreak of the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Chief House Clerk Dana Rademan Miller said Thursday that she hopes to open the testing site within the next couple weeks.
It will be available for lawmakers, staff and others who regularly work in the building, such as lobbyists and journalists.
At least three House members have tested positive for COVID-19 in the first couple weeks of session.
The House canceled session this week, but the Senate continued to work.
STRUCTURE FIRE IN
The Columbia Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire at
The first unit arrived less than five minutes later and reported heavy fire involvement. Fire crews performed an aggressive fire attack however, the fire had progressed significantly prior to their arrival and ultimately consumed the entire attic and roof.
Fire investigators determined the fire originated in a side yard and moved up an outside wall. The cause of the fire was improperly discarded ashes from a fire pit. Damage is estimated at $201,000. There were no reported injuries.
The Columbia Fire Department reminds residents that hot embers should be doused with water and discarded in a metal container with a lid.
Ten units from the Columbia Fire Department responded to this call.
Weekend Report- January 23-24, 2021
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 12:15am Sunday in
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN
A St. Clair driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday morning in
WOMAN HURT IN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING CRASH
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January 22, 2021
REPUBLICAN SENATORS MOVE TO LESSEN THE POWER OF HEALTH OFFICIALS
Republican senators in
Senate health committee members debated a bill Wednesday that would ensure there are no government-imposed occupancy limits on churches and other places of worship during public health emergencies.
Other bills would take the power to make public health rules away from county health boards and instead leave it up to county commissioners.
The bill sponsors argue that some health officials went too far in limiting gatherings at churches, businesses and private homes in their attempts to limit COVID-19's spread.
Columbia Police have detained a second juvenile in relation to a shots fired incident on Thursday, Jan. 21. It is now believed that all suspects involved in this incident have been taken into custody.
At approximately 12:22 a.m., Columbia Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the area of Melbourne and Hodge streets. The vehicle fled from the officer but crashed in the area of the 200 block of
Officers located several shell casings and property damage to a patrol vehicle. No injuries were reported.
This is an ongoing investigation and is being handled by CPD’s Criminal Investigation Division. More information may become available at a later time.
If you know something, say something. Columbia Police are asking for your help. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
January 21, 2021
ANOTHER
Another
State Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins of
The House Journal indicates she was at the Capitol last Thursday.
Her case comes after state Rep. Wes Rogers of
House leaders have canceled session for this week, though the Senate is continuing to meet.
Most county prosecutors in
The law took effect on Jan. 1 but the Missouri Legislature did not provide funding for juvenile services to handle an influx of new cases caused by the change.
Prosecutors in
But the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the Missouri Juvenile Justice Association have refused to make the change because of the lack of funding.
MDC ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY DEER SEASON NUMBERS
Of the deer harvested, 140,468 were antlered bucks, 28,587 were button bucks and 127,461 were does.
In
The MDC is also reporting that there were four weapon-related hunting accidents during the 2020-2021 season.
All were self-inflicted and non-fatal.
January 20, 2021
At approximately 8:36 a.m. on Jan. 19, Columbia Police responded to a report of shots fired in the 2200 block of
Upon arrival, officers determined that the incident transpired as a result of domestic violence initiated by a 19 year-old male inside a residence.
Officers located two females and the male, all with gunshot wounds, and several shell casings. The females were 19 and 36 years of age.
All subjects were transported to a local hospital by
The male suffered from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and is being treated for life-threatening injuries.
This is an ongoing investigation and is being handled by CPD’s Criminal Investigation Division. More information may become available at a later time.
If you saw something or know something, say something. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
FAULTY WIRING CAUSES MONDAY NIGHT FIRE IN
The Columbia Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire at
The first unit arrived on the scene approximately five minutes later and observed a pickup truck fully involved with fire and a portion of a shed against the home also on fire. Crews performed an aggressive fire attack using preconnected hose lines and had the fire brought under control in approximately thirty minutes. Extensive overhaul work was done to ensure fire had not spread inside concealed spaces further into the home.
Assistant Fire Marshal Kyle Edwards was dispatched to perform a fire origin and cause investigation. Edwards determined the fire originated on the west side of the structure in the shed. The cause of the fire is accidental and a result of faulty electrical wiring inside the shed